Spinach Mushroom Strata is a savory, comforting dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This casserole-style dish combines layers of sautéed spinach, earthy mushrooms, and hearty bread, all bound together with a rich, creamy custard. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is both nourishing and easy to prepare. With its combination of vegetables, bread, and eggs, it’s a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while enjoying a hearty, filling dish.
The base of this strata is made with day-old bread, which soaks up the creamy custard mixture made from eggs, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and seasonings. The bread becomes soft and fluffy, but still maintains some texture, allowing the dish to hold together well. The spinach and mushrooms are sautéed together until tender, then layered with the bread and custard, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
Sautéing the mushrooms and spinach beforehand ensures that excess moisture is removed, so the strata doesn’t become soggy. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the mild bitterness of the spinach, creating a savory combination that works beautifully in this dish. You can add additional seasonings such as garlic, thyme, or nutmeg for an extra burst of flavor. For a creamy finish, a sprinkle of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, can be added to the top before baking, creating a delicious, golden-brown crust.
Spinach Mushroom Strata is a great make-ahead dish, as it can be assembled the night before and baked the next morning. This makes it an ideal option for a busy brunch or holiday breakfast. It’s also flexible, add your favorite herbs or swap the spinach for kale, or try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet weekend morning, or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, Spinach Mushroom Strata is a satisfying, savory dish that will fill your home with delicious aromas. It’s a perfect way to enjoy vegetables in a warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing form.
Ingredients
- 10 oz spinach chopped, fresh
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 8 cups bread cubed – stale bread works best
- 6 eggs large, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper ground
- 2 tbsp butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the mushrooms and onions over medium heat until they are soft and the onions are translucent.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Top with half of the spinach mixture and half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, spinach mixture, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the strata.
- Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
I followed the recipe exactly but mine did not rise. Why? Did I do something wrong?
Sometimes it could be the type of bread you used. Stale bread is important for absorbency. Maybe that was the issue? Don’t give up!
Maybe your eggs weren’t fresh enough? Or you didn’t let it sit long enough? Just trying to help.
I messed up and bought fresh bread instead of stale… whoops! Still turned out pretty good but not as good as the one my mom used to make.
Yumm! Wouldn’t think spinach could taste this good!!!
I dunno, spinach just seems like it wouldn’t be that good mixed with all that stuff. Just sounds weird.
Right?! I’m always surprised by how good spinach can be in recipes. This strata is amazing!
Not sure about this. Mushrooms and spinach?! Really? It’s weird.
Followed the recipe, but it didn’t puff up like I thought it would… confused
Maybe your bread wasn’t stale enough? Fresh bread doesn’t soak up as much liquid. Just a thought!
I’m sorry it didn’t work out like you wanted! Sometimes the oven temp can be off. Did you check it with a thermometer?
I mean, it was okay, but I thought the bread was too soggy. Maybe let it sit longer?
I did not like spinach so I just used broccoli instead & it turned out fine. Little bit different but good!
Easy to make and delicious! My whole family loved it!
I’m glad to hear it was a hit! This dish looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it myself. Thank you for sharing!
Looks nice, but I wonder if kids will really eat spinach. Mine usually won’t touch anything green!
Not sure about this. The idea is good but even with the cheese, it was too bland for my taste. Needs something extra! 🤔
Yummm! I added some bacon and it was a hit! Who doesn’t love bacon?
Bacon makes everything better! Love that you added it. Can’t wait to try your version!
I dunno, bacon seems like too much for a veggie dish. But if you like it, that’s cool I guess.