Fluffy Spinach and Gruyere Breakfast Strata Recipe for Brunch Joy

Breakfast just got a delightful makeover with this spinach and gruyere breakfast strata that combines rich, creamy flavors in every single bite.

Layers of rustic bread soak up a silky egg mixture, creating a luxurious morning meal.

Gruyere cheese melts into golden pockets of deliciousness, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant green touch to the dish.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will wake up your senses.

The strata comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for lazy weekend mornings or special brunch gatherings.

Elevate your morning routine with this decadent and satisfying breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Start Mornings Right With Gruyere Strata

• Boost Breakfast Variety: Elevate your morning routine with this gourmet spin on traditional breakfast dishes, offering a sophisticated twist that breaks the monotony of everyday meals.
• Prep-Ahead Perfection: Design this strata in advance, letting it sit overnight, which means less morning stress and more time enjoying a delicious, restaurant-quality breakfast at home.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Packed with protein-rich eggs, leafy spinach, and calcium-loaded Gruyere cheese, this dish delivers a balanced and satisfying meal that supports your nutritional goals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Ideal for weekend gatherings, brunches, or family meals, this strata serves multiple people with minimal last-minute cooking, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

What Makes This Spinach Strata So Good?

• White Bread: A sturdy base that provides structure and absorbs the egg mixture.
• Butter: Enhances flavor and helps create a golden, crispy texture.
• Gruyere Cheese: A rich, nutty cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
• Half-and-Half: Creates a creamy, luxurious texture in the egg mixture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide protein.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element with nutritional value.
• Shallots: Provide a mild, sweet onion flavor to the dish.

• White Wine: Reduces to concentrate flavor and add complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the strata.

Easy Assembly For Breakfast Strata Success

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Bread Slices

Preheat the oven to 225°F.

Spread bread slices on a baking sheet and bake until completely dry, about 40 minutes.

Flip the slices halfway through cooking.

Once cooled, generously butter one side of each bread slice.

Step 2: Sauté Flavorful Spinach Mixture

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.

Sauté shallots until they become translucent and soft.

Add spinach, salt, and pepper, cooking until everything blends together smoothly.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce Wine for Depth of Flavor

Pour wine into the same skillet, increasing heat to medium-high.

Simmer and reduce the wine until only 1/4 cup remains, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Layer the Strata Base

Butter an 8-inch square baking dish.

Create the first layer with half the bread slices, buttered side facing up.

Top with half the spinach mixture and sprinkle with cheese.

Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Reduced wine
• Half-and-half
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and spinach.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Remove the cover from the strata and top with remaining cheese.

Bake until the dish becomes puffy and turns a beautiful golden color, approximately 50-55 minutes.

Savvy Tips For Flawless Breakfast Strata

• Use low oven temperature and slow baking to ensure bread becomes crisp without burning, creating ideal texture for strata.
• Cook spinach briefly to maintain vibrant color and prevent moisture buildup, which could make strata soggy.
• Concentrate wine flavors by reducing liquid, adding depth and complexity to the egg mixture without excess liquid.
• Prepare strata night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making morning preparation easier.
• Layer cheese evenly between bread and spinach for consistent flavor and melting throughout the dish.

Make Your Strata Unique: Inspiring Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Replace Gruyere with firm tofu and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, creating a plant-based protein-rich version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap bread slices with gluten-free bread or cauliflower base, ensuring same layering technique and maintaining overall texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and swap Gruyere with feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast strata with bright, tangy notes.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use cloud bread or thin egg crepes instead of traditional bread, maintaining the spinach and cheese layers while reducing carbohydrate content.

Brunch-Perfect Ways To Serve Gruyere Strata

• Breakfast Bliss Companions: Fresh mixed berry compote adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory strata.
• Brunch Buddy Boost: Serve alongside crispy bacon or maple-glazed ham for a protein-packed morning feast.
• Green Morning Complement: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy dish.
• Beverage Harmony: Pour chilled mimosas or fresh-squeezed orange juice to elevate the breakfast experience.

Stash Spinach Strata For Later Enjoyment

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the strata cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Cut into individual portions, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the strata rubbery.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right bread for this strata?

Select a sturdy white bread like sourdough or country bread that can absorb the egg mixture without falling apart. Day-old bread works best as it’s slightly drier and holds the custard more effectively.

• Can I prepare this strata ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the entire dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This actually helps the bread absorb the egg mixture, enhancing the flavor and texture.

• Is it possible to add protein to this vegetarian strata?

Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked bacon, ham, or sausage crumbles between the bread layers. Just ensure the meat is pre-cooked and drained of excess fat before adding to the strata.

Spinach and Gruyere Breakfast Strata Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spinach and Gruyere Breakfast Strata brings comforting layers of bread, eggs, and melted cheese to weekend brunch gatherings. Hearty ingredients combine in a delightful casserole that will satisfy hungry guests with minimal morning preparation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 8–10 1/2-inch slices supermarket French bread
• 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) Gruyère cheese, grated

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 3/4 cups half-and-half
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Aromatics and Seasoning:

• 4 medium shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup medium-dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Dry bread slices in a 225°F oven for 40 minutes, rotating midway. Let cool and lightly coat one side with butter.
2. Sauté shallots in a skillet over medium heat until translucent. Add spinach, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking briefly until wilted.
3. Deglaze the skillet with wine, reducing liquid to approximately 1/4 cup over medium-high heat.
4. Prepare an 8-inch baking dish by greasing with butter. Create alternating layers: buttered bread, sautéed spinach, and grated Gruyere cheese. Repeat layering process.
5. Whisk together eggs, reduced wine, half-and-half, and seasonings until smooth. Carefully pour mixture over layered ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
6. Refrigerate assembled strata for minimum 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb liquid.
7. Preheat oven to 325°F. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of strata before baking.
8. Bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes until puffy, golden brown, and center is set. Let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

• Toast bread slices low and slow to ensure crispiness without burning, creating a perfect base for the strata.
• Squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach to prevent a watery final dish and maintain a creamy texture.
• Reduce wine carefully to concentrate flavors and add depth to the egg mixture, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Refrigerate overnight to allow bread to fully absorb egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful breakfast casserole.
• Customize by swapping spinach with kale or Swiss chard for varied nutrition and taste.
• Make gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or cauliflower bread alternative.
• Prepare ahead and freeze for up to 2 weeks, making meal prep easier for busy mornings.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg