Savory Cheese Strata Bake – This Savory Cheese Strata Bake is one of those dishes that just hits the spot. It’s cheesy, it’s comforting, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Think layers of thick bread soaked in a rich egg-milk mixture, topped with loads of cheddar and Parmesan. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or honestly, whenever you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that loaf of bread that’s getting a little stale—who doesn’t love a recipe that’s delicious and practical?
So, the first time I made this, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I mean, bread soaked in eggs and milk? Sounded a little too much like French toast, and I was aiming for something savory. But I went for it anyway. My husband, who’s normally skeptical about anything that’s not pancakes for breakfast, was intrigued when he saw the cheese bubbling away in the oven. My kid? Well, they’re always on board when there’s cheese involved. When it came out all golden and puffy, we dove right in—and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. The bread had soaked up all that flavor, but still had a little crunch on top, and the cheese? Pure perfection. Now it’s a family favorite for lazy weekend mornings or even a quick dinner when I don’t feel like cooking anything complicated.
What makes this Savory Cheese Strata Bake truly special?
This isn’t your typical breakfast bake—it’s got that perfect balance of flavors and textures that’ll make you come back for seconds. The bread becomes this soft, almost custardy base that soaks up all the goodness from the eggs and milk, while the top stays crisp and cheesy. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time, let it sit overnight, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s versatile too—add in some bacon, veggies, whatever you like. It’s a dish that looks fancy but is secretly super simple. Who doesn’t love that?
What You Need To Make This Savory Cheese Strata Bake Recipe?
Whole Milk: You’re going to want to stick with whole milk here because it gives the strata that creamy, rich texture we all love. Sure, you could use lower-fat milk, but honestly, whole milk really brings out that indulgent, custardy feel that makes this bake so satisfying. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a splash of cream would definitely take it up a notch!
Eggs: Eggs are what hold this whole thing together, kind of like the glue in this delicious, cheesy puzzle. Make sure to beat them well so they mix smoothly with the milk. And don’t worry if they’re not perfectly blended—it all bakes together anyway. Room-temperature eggs will blend better, so if you remember to take them out of the fridge a bit before starting, it’s a bonus.
French Bread or Texas Toast: Go for thick slices of French bread or Texas toast here because they soak up all that eggy goodness without turning into mush. Slightly stale bread works even better—it holds its shape and adds that nice texture after baking. And hey, if you want to tear it into pieces for a more rustic vibe, go for it. There’s no wrong way to do this.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is the star of the show here, giving you that gooey, melty factor that makes every bite amazing. I like using sharp cheddar because it adds a nice punch of flavor. And honestly, freshly grated cheese melts better, but if you’re pressed for time, pre-shredded works just fine. No judgment!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives this dish that salty, nutty kick that complements the cheddar perfectly. You don’t need much, but it really elevates the flavor. Freshly grated is always the way to go with Parmesan—it’s got that sharp bite that the pre-grated stuff sometimes lacks.
Steps To Make Savory Cheese Strata Bake:
First things first—grab a large bowl and whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, salt, onion powder, and pepper. You want everything to be mixed well so that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Next, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Now, take 2-3 slices of bread and lay them on the bottom of the dish. Make sure the whole bottom is covered. Don’t worry if you need to overlap them a bit—it’s all going to soak up that delicious egg mixture anyway.
Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the bread layer. Then, place another layer of bread slices on top of that. If you prefer, you can tear the bread into chunks instead of using whole slices, and just layer the chunks like you would with the slices. Either way works!
Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, making sure to cover everything evenly. You want that liquid to really soak into the bread. Once it’s all poured in, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan on top.
Now, here’s the secret to making this dish amazing: let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This gives the bread plenty of time to soak up the egg mixture and become all custardy. If you’re patient, you can even let it sit overnight in the fridge.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the whole thing is slightly puffed up.
Once it’s out of the oven, give it a few minutes to rest before cutting into it. Trust me, this makes it easier to slice and serve. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Tip:
Want to make this Savory Cheese Strata Bake even better? Here’s the trick: let it sit longer before baking. I know, you’re eager to get it into the oven, but trust me, the longer the bread soaks in that egg-milk mixture, the better the texture. If you’ve got time, let it sit for at least an hour—overnight is even better. The bread soaks up all the liquid, so when it bakes, you get this amazing, custardy texture with a crispy, cheesy top. It also makes your mornings so much easier if you prep the night before. Just pull it out of the fridge, pop it in the oven, and breakfast (or brunch) is practically done!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just take it out and bake it as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings or when you’ve got guests over.
Can I add other ingredients to the strata?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can throw in some cooked bacon, sausage, or even sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Just make sure anything you add is already cooked, so it doesn’t water down the dish. Get creative with it—whatever you love works!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are easy to store! Just pop any extra strata into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for a quick breakfast, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. It makes for a pretty great next-day lunch too!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Savory Cheese Strata Bake
Ingredients
- 3 c whole milk
- 5 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 5-7 thick slices of French bread or Texas toast
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, onion powder, and pepper until everything is well combined. Take 2-3 slices of bread and place them on the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, making sure the base is completely covered.
- Sprinkle on half of the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the bread. Place another layer of bread on top of the cheese. If you prefer, you can tear the bread into smaller pieces instead of using whole slices—it works just as well and gives a more rustic feel. Continue layering as you go.
- Once the bread is layered, carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the top, making sure it seeps into all the crevices. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and all of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes so the bread can soak up the liquid and become soft and flavorful.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the dish for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed up. Give it a few minutes to cool down before serving and enjoying!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
