Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Strata

 Few dishes deliver comfort quite like a warm, cheesy strata fresh from the oven. With its Italian-inspired flavors, this savory baked casserole layers cubes of day-old bread with a silky egg custard, earthy sautéed mushrooms, tender spinach, and plenty of melted cheese. It's hearty, budget-friendly, and equally at home on a weekend brunch table or as a simple weeknight dinner.

What makes strata truly brilliant is its make-ahead magic. Assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven the next morning, and enjoy a homemade meal without the early-morning rush. The result? A crisp, golden top with a soft, custardy center that's guaranteed to win over any crowd.

Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or round out brunch with crispy bacon, sausage, and fresh seasonal fruit. A mug of hot coffee or a glass of orange juice makes it complete.

🥖 Cheesy Spinach & Mushroom Strata

📝 Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Day-old bread, cubed	6 cups	Sturdy bread like sourdough or French loaf works best
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For sautéing
Mushrooms, sliced	1 cup	White or cremini
Fresh spinach	3 cups	Roughly chopped if leaves are large
Cheddar cheese, shredded	1 cup	Sharp cheddar adds great flavor
Parmesan cheese, grated	½ cup	For a salty, nutty finish
Eggs	6 large	Room temperature preferred
Milk	2 cups	Whole or 2% for creaminess
Salt	1 tsp	Adjust to taste
Black pepper	½ tsp	Freshly ground is best
Nutmeg	¼ tsp	Adds subtle warmth
Fresh parsley, chopped	1 tbsp	For garnish

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🍴 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish (about 9×13 inches works well).

2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they turn golden brown and release their moisture, about 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Layer the Casserole
Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Scatter the sautéed mushroom and spinach mixture over the bread, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

4. Make the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and vegetables, gently pressing down with a spatula to ensure every piece of bread absorbs the liquid.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden and puffed.

6. Rest and Serve
Let the strata rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.