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Basic STRATA with Variations




Source of Recipe


Adele's Own


Recipe Introduction


I have been making variations of Strata for years and year. It seems to be a hit for brunches, and parties. The greatest thing about this recipe, is you can make it in advance, and cook it the next day. So, if you are having overnight guests, make a strata and pop it in the oven an hour before everyone wakes up. The aroma will be enough to get the laziest person to open their eyes.

We always considered this Farm Food...or left over food..but it is always Comfort Food.


List of Ingredients




In buttered 9x13-inch pan, spread slices of bread(leftover, anything from rye, wheat, white, Italian, etc), then add slices of cheese, American or Chedder.

Add any of the following items for a breakfast/brunch style Strata.

Fried Bacon Bits (1/2 # on each)

Fried Breakfast, kielbasa, smoked! Anything will do. (16 oz Jimmy Dean Regular)

Sauted Onion 1 large white onion

Diced Tomato

Pepper, green, red, orange, purple...used for taste and color(used 1/2 red, and green for each)

Mushrooms

Ham

Spread any or all of the above items on top of the cheese slices.

Beat milk and eggs and pour over the items. Refrigerate, covered with foil, at least overnight or up to 24 hours.
(8 eggs to 2 to 4 cups of milk) I use 2 cups, but if you want it higher or fluffier, use up to 4 cups milk


Recipe



Bake one hour at 350 degrees F or a bit longer, depending on the fixings

**Variations:**
************
**Chicken Strata**
Reduce basic strata recipe to 4 eggs and 3 cups milk.
*Add:
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1/4 cup finely chopped pimiento
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 (10-oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise

***Spinach or Broccoli Strata***
*Add to basic strata:
2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, or
1 (10 oz.) pkg. chopped broccoli, cooked; well-drained
8 ounces mushroom, sliced and sautéed

***Sausage Strata***
*Add to basic strata:
1 1/2 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
8 ounces mushrooms, sautéed with:
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
Directions:

Basic Strata Base: Use the old bread, cover with cheese and bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.