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
