Savory Cheese Strata Bake
This Savory Cheese Strata Bake is the ultimate comfort dish—warm, cheesy, and perfect for any time of day. Picture thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy egg and milk mixture, then baked to perfection with layers of melty cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The result? A soft, custardy base with a golden, slightly crispy top that’s bursting with flavor. It’s an easy, make-ahead meal that works for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner when you want something that feels special but requires minimal effort. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!
Servings
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
Want to make this recipe gluten-free? It’s actually really simple! Just swap out the regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. These days, there are plenty of great gluten-free options that hold up really well in a bake like this. You’ll still get that same delicious, custardy texture without the gluten. Also, make sure your Bisquick mix (if using a substitute) and any pre-grated cheese you use are certified gluten-free to avoid any sneaky gluten. With these small tweaks, you’ll have a gluten-free version that’s just as cheesy and satisfying as the original.