Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture and flavors.

  • Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your choice of vegetables or add cooked chicken for added protein.

  • Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for feeding a group.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 2 teaspoons butter, or as needed

  • 1 ¾ cups sliced crimini mushrooms

  • 5 English muffins, split and toasted

  • 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper

  • ½ onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cups milk

  • 8 eggs

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown and most of their liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes.

  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange eight muffin halves, cut-side up, in the bottom of the dish. Tear remaining muffins into smaller pieces and use to fill any open spaces.

  3. Layer Ingredients: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the muffins. Top with asparagus pieces, sautéed mushrooms, red bell pepper, and onion.

  4. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, salt, mustard powder, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

  5. Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

  6. Bake: The next day, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it stand for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the remaining cheese over the top of the strata. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes

  • Additional Time: 8 hours 35 minutes (for refrigeration)

  • Total Time: 9 hours 55 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetables: Substitute asparagus with broccoli, spinach, or zucchini.

  • Cheese: Use cheddar, Swiss, or feta cheese instead of Colby-Monterey Jack.

  • Meat: Add cooked diced chicken for added protein.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I prepare this strata without toasting the English muffins?

Toasting the muffins helps them absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. It’s recommended to toast them for the best texture.

Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Ensure it’s thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture in the strata.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for added heat.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, sourdough or whole wheat bread can be used as alternatives to English muffins.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the strata overnight?

Refrigerating overnight allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a custard-like texture. If you’re short on time, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Can I freeze the assembled strata before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the strata, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Cheddar, Swiss, or feta cheese are excellent substitutes for Colby-Monterey Jack.

How do I know when the strata is done baking?

The strata is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, adding cooked diced chicken will enhance the flavor and make it more hearty.

How do I prevent the strata from being too soggy?

Ensure the bread is toasted and the vegetables are sautéed to remove excess moisture before assembling the strata.

Conclusion

The Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata is a versatile and convenient dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables, cheese, and toasted bread. Its make-ahead nature makes it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables and proteins to suit your taste.

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Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 9 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata is a delicious, make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests. Combining toasted English muffins, sautéed mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and two types of cheese, this savory dish can be refrigerated overnight and baked fresh the next morning for a hearty, satisfying brunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter (or as needed)
  • 1 ¾ cups sliced crimini mushrooms
  • 5 English muffins, split and toasted
  • 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups milk
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add mushrooms. Cook until browned and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
  • Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange eight muffin halves, cut-side up, in the dish. Tear remaining muffins into smaller pieces and use them to fill open spaces.
  • Layer Ingredients: Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the muffins. Layer with asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, red bell pepper, and onion.
  • Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, salt, mustard powder, and black pepper. Pour evenly over the layered ingredients.
  • Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
  • Bake: The next day, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • If in a rush, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for flavor absorption.
  • Use a mix of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli for variation.
  • You can substitute Colby-Monterey Jack with cheddar, Swiss, or feta cheese.
  • To freeze, assemble the strata and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

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