It’s a Christmas MIRACLE! You will agree with me that this make-ahead breakfast strata is a stunner when it comes to flavor and presentation. It’s savory, it’s creamy, it’s decadent. Cubed brie is sprinkled throughout this recipe, and when melted, it creates a rich and gooey “sauce” for sautéed mushrooms and custard-soaked bread. Baking turns this into a puffed, golden and deliciously fragrant dish. You can also bake this in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a different presentation.
Brie and Mushroom Strata
Serves 8
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1 to 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms, such as bella, cremini, or shiitake, sliced
- 3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon blanc
- 9 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups whole
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound (16 ounces) cubed French bread, day old or toasted
- 1 (8-ounce) round of Brie, rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Generously butter an 11×7-inch (1 1/2-quart) baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet or braiser, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the shallot and cook until tender, about 3 minutes, followed by the garlic, sautéing for another 30 seconds or so. Add the mushrooms, the leaves from the thyme sprigs, and a pinch of salt. Cook until mushrooms are golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Pour in the wine and increase heat to high. Cook, letting the wine bubbling vigorously, until all the liquid cooks out.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, Dijon, salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Arrange half of the bread cubes to the bottom of the prepared baking dish, followed by half the mushrooms and half the cubed brie. Pour half of the egg mixture over the top. Arrange the remaining bread, followed by the mushrooms and brie, over the top. Pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread and push down gently to make sure that every piece gets saturated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake the strata for 60 minutes. Remove aluminum foil, add grated Parmesan and continue baking, uncovered, until puffed and golden, 15 to 25 minutes. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Adapted from: The Kitchn
If not using stale bread, toast the cubes in a 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring partway through, until dry and slightly toasted.
