Introducing Breakfast Strata - Cooks Illustrated

Published November 1, 2001.

The right blend of four staple ingredients—bread, eggs, cheese, and cream—produces a savory breakfast casserole that's simple and satisfying.

The Problem

Many recipes for this savory bread pudding are soggy and laden with excessive custard and ingredients, rendering a simple casserole an overindulgence in both preparation and consumption.

The Goal

A breakfast strata with complementary fillings and flavorings, and just enough richness to satisfy.

The Solution

Butter whole, dried bread slices for texture, richness, and appearance, carefully select a few complementary ingredients for the filling, then sauté them to remove excess moisture and prevent the casserole from becoming waterlogged. Weigh the strata down overnight for improved texture, and bake the following morning for a perfect make-ahead breakfast.

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