Zippy Strata Recipes

ZIPPY EGG CASSEROLE

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Place the croutons in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses and sausage. , In a large bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients; pour over the casserole. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

BRUNCH STRATA

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and ham; cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain and pat dry. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and cream until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs. Stir in the remaining ingredients and vegetable mixture., Transfer to two greased 11x7-in. baking dishes. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

GREEN CHILI AND CHORIZO BREAKFAST STRATA

Steps:

• Butter an 8-cup baking dish.
• Saute' chorizo in heavy skillet over medium-low heat until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer chorizo to paper toweling to drain.
• Whisk next 5 ingredients in large bowl. Place 2 bread slices in bottom of prepared dish. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup cheese and half each of chilies, cilantro and chorizo.
• Pour 1/3 of egg mixture over.
• Repeat layering with 2 bread slices, 3/4 cup cheese and remaining chilies, cilantro, and chorizo.
• Top with 2 bread slices.
• Pour remaining egg mixture over and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Cover; chill overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Bake Strata uncovered until puffed and golden, about 55 minutes.
• Let stand 5 minutes or so befoe serving.

HOW TO MAKE A STRATA

Steps:

• Grease a 9x13 pan. Chop bacon into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Cook until crispy. Set aside on paper towels and pat to remove excess grease. Pour all but a couple of tablespoons of the bacon grease out of the pan. Cook shallots in remaining fat until softened. Set aside. Whisk eggs for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir in reserved bacon, shallots, cheese, and parsley. Fold in the torn bread. Pour into the prepared pan and cover with foil. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, up to 24. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Bake strata for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until golden, puffed, and set in the center. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. (The strata will deflate as is rests.) Scoop portions with a large spoon rather than trying to cut into squares.