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.