Strata (food)

A strata is a baked casserole dish, most commonly made with bread, eggs, cheese, and meat or vegetables. It is often prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture. This results in a moist and savory dish that is often served for breakfast or brunch, but can also be suitable for lunch or dinner.

The bread used in a strata is usually stale or slightly dried, which helps it absorb more of the liquid. The other ingredients can vary widely, offering flexibility in terms of flavor profiles. Common additions include sausage, ham, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

The basic construction of a strata typically involves layering the bread, cheese, and other ingredients in a baking dish, then pouring an egg and milk (or cream) mixture over the top. The dish is then covered and refrigerated for several hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully saturate. Before baking, the strata is often uncovered and topped with additional cheese or breadcrumbs.

The name "strata" refers to the layered nature of the dish, as "strata" is the plural of "stratum," meaning a layer or level.