Breakfast Strata with Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions
Breakfast Strata with Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions is a savory layered casserole combining crusty bread, earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, rich eggs, and melty cheese. This comforting yet elegant brunch dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any meal of the day. Easy to prepare and adaptable with make-ahead convenience, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be adapted for vegan or gluten-free)
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- Sturdy crusty bread (sourdough, French bread, or challah), cut into cubes (about 6 cups)
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives), chopped
Vegetables
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 12 oz fresh mushrooms (button or cremini), cleaned and sliced
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyere, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking onions and mushrooms)
- Butter (for greasing baking dish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly in a pan over low heat with a bit of olive oil or butter. Stir occasionally and cook for 30-40 minutes until the onions become soft and turn a rich golden brown, developing natural sweetness and deep flavor.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: While the onions caramelize, clean and slice mushrooms. In a hot pan with olive oil or butter, sauté the mushrooms until their moisture evaporates and they are browned, enhancing their earthy taste and firm texture.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. This egg custard will bind the strata and soak into the bread.
- Assemble the Strata: Butter a baking dish and layer bread cubes evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and shredded cheese over the bread. Repeat layers as desired. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers, pressing gently to ensure the bread soaks up the custard fully.
- Refrigerate or Bake: Cover the assembled strata and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best absorption of flavors. When ready, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption without mushiness.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop deep flavor.
- Don’t skip fresh herbs—they brighten and balance richness.
- Press layers gently to let the custard penetrate the bread.
- Tent with foil during baking if the top browns too quickly before the center cooks through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 235mg