Discover the delightful fusion of a hearty strata and a classic quiche with this Mediterranean-inspired recipe. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this dish combines day-old bread, savory vegetables, and creamy eggs into a comforting casserole.
With a total time of just 90 minutes, including a 40-minute bake, it’s an ideal make-ahead option for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Your Strata Quiche
Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to create a Mediterranean masterpiece.
- 1 red onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 sweet red pepper, thinly sliced, then cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups italian bread, day-old and cut in 1/2-inch cubes
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
How to Cook Your Mediterranean Strata Quiche?
Follow these simple steps to bake a perfectly golden and delicious strata quiche.
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2:
Coat a deep 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray or vegetable oil.
Step 3:
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan set over medium heat.
Step 4:
Add the onion and garlic. Stir often for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Increase the heat to high and stir frequently until the onion is golden, from 3 to 5 more minutes.
Step 6:
Add the pepper and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Step 7:
Measure out the bread cubes into a bowl. Stir in the warm onion mixture along with the feta.
Step 8:
Turn the mixture into the pie plate and pat down.
Step 9:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, oregano and pepper.
Step 10:
Pour evenly over the bread mixture.
Step 11:
Bake in the centre of the oven until a knife inserted in the centre of the quiche comes out fairly clean and the bread around the edges is brown and crispy, from 35 to 40 minutes.
Step 12:
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Related FAQs – Your Strata Quiche Questions Answered!
What is the difference between a quiche and a strata?
While both are egg-based savory dishes, quiche typically features a pastry crust, whereas strata uses bread as its base, often layered with other ingredients. This recipe beautifully blends the eggy richness of a quiche with the bread-based structure of a strata.
Can I prepare this strata quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! Strata recipes are excellent for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven and bake as directed.
What kind of bread is best for strata?
Day-old Italian bread is ideal as it’s slightly dry and absorbs the egg mixture well without becoming soggy. Other sturdy breads like challah or sourdough can also work.
How do I know when the strata quiche is fully cooked?
The strata quiche is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out fairly clean, and the top is golden brown and puffed. The edges of the bread should be crispy.
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is highly adaptable! Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers of different colors, or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Strata Quiche
- Don’t skip the standing time: Allowing the strata to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the custard set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Evenly distribute ingredients: Ensure the bread cubes, vegetables, and feta are spread evenly in the pie plate for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember feta cheese is salty.
- Serve with a fresh side: A light green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit makes a perfect accompaniment to this rich dish.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven or microwave. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
