If you love a hearty and delicious breakfast, you will enjoy this Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe. It’s a layered egg casserole full of bread, cheese and vegetables.
I first tried it for a weekend brunch and everyone loved it. Learning how to make Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata is easy with simple ingredients.
This dish is perfect for family mornings or special occasions. With step-by-step instructions, you can make a restaurant-style breakfast at home.
Why I Love Making This Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata
I love making this breakfast strata because it’s comforting and versatile. The smell of baked eggs and melted cheese fills the kitchen.
My kids enjoy the layers of bread and cheese and I like adding fresh vegetables. You can make it ahead of time and bake it in the morning.
Every bite is soft, cheesy and satisfying. It’s perfect for family brunches or lazy weekend mornings.
Equipment List
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Frying pan (optional for vegetables or meat)
- Spatula or spoon
- Oven mitts
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Course: Breakfast / Brunch
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices of day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked sausage, bacon or ham pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter for greasing pan
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. - Prepare Bread Cubes
Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Place them evenly in the greased baking dish. - Cook Vegetables
In a frying pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add spinach at the end. - Cook Meat
If using meat, cook sausage or bacon until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside. - Layer Ingredients
Layer half the bread, half the cheese, half the meat and half the vegetables. Repeat for second layer. - Whisk Eggs and Milk
In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt and black pepper until smooth and frothy. - Pour Egg Mixture
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, cheese, meat and vegetables. Press gently to soak bread. - Top with Cheese
Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top for a golden finish. - Bake the Strata
Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until eggs are set and cheese is golden. - Cool and Serve
Let the strata rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use any leftover vegetables or meat for flexibility.
- Substitute milk with cream for richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for mild spice.
- Make it the night before; refrigerate and bake in the morning.
- Use different cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack for variety.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Strata is a layered egg casserole that originated in the U.S. It often uses leftover bread and cheese. The word “strata” means layers in Italian.
Martha Stewart popularized this breakfast version for home cooks with simple, elegant ingredients. It’s a favorite for brunch and holiday mornings.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
Serve this strata with fresh fruit salad, orange juice or coffee. You can also pair it with roasted potatoes or muffins. It works well alongside other brunch dishes like quiche, yogurt parfaits or bagels.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Perfect for weekend family breakfasts, holiday brunches or casual gatherings. Great for potlucks, baby showers or breakfast-for-dinner nights. You can easily double the recipe for larger crowds.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices.
- You can freeze strata for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before baking.
- Keep garnishes separate until serving for freshness.
- Adjust moisture with a splash of milk if reheating seems dry.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Health Benefits
Strata provides protein from eggs and cheese, which helps keep you full longer. Vegetables add vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.
Making it at home lets you control ingredients and reduce processed additives. It’s a balanced and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices of day-old bread cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked sausage bacon, or ham pieces
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter for greasing pan
- Fresh herbs for garnish optional
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare Bread Cubes
- Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Place them evenly in the greased baking dish.
Cook Vegetables
- In a frying pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add spinach at the end.
Cook Meat
- If using meat, cook sausage or bacon until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Layer Ingredients
- Layer half the bread, half the cheese, half the meat and half the vegetables. Repeat for second layer.
Whisk Eggs and Milk
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt and black pepper until smooth and frothy.
Pour Egg Mixture
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, cheese, meat and vegetables. Press gently to soak bread.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top for a golden finish.
Bake the Strata
- Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until eggs are set and cheese is golden.
Cool and Serve
- Let the strata rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use any leftover vegetables or meat for flexibility.
- Substitute milk with cream for richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for mild spice.
- Make it the night before; refrigerate and bake in the morning.
- Use different cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack for variety.
FAQs about Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata
Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini or peppers.
Q2: Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes, assemble it the night before. Refrigerate and bake in the morning for convenience.
Q3: Can I use stale bread?
Absolutely. Stale or day-old bread absorbs egg mixture better and makes the strata more flavorful.
Q4: Can I add different cheeses?
Yes, Swiss, mozzarella or Monterey Jack all work. Mix and match for taste and texture.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe is easy, versatile and delicious. With simple ingredients for Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata and clear steps, anyone can enjoy this satisfying brunch dish.
It’s perfect for family mornings, special occasions or lazy weekends. Once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the layers of bread, cheese, vegetables and eggs in every warm, comforting bite.
Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.