There is nothing quite like the comforting, warm embrace of a strata on a special morning, and Dad’s Day Strata Recipe is an absolute winner to share with the men you love. Packed with vibrant broccoli, hearty whole wheat bread, savory deli-style protein, and a touch of spicy pepper jack, this dish marries fresh and rich flavors into a cozy casserole that’s as satisfying for breakfast as it is for a leisurely brunch. Whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy in making Dad’s Day Strata Recipe. Each element contributes something special—crunchy broccoli for freshness, whole wheat bread for body and texture, and a creamy, cheesy custard that ties it all together into a savory delight.
- Broccoli florets: fresh or frozen, steaming them slightly brings out their vibrant green color and sweet flavor.
- Whole wheat bread, cubed: provides a wholesome base with great texture that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained: infuse the dish with subtle herbal brightness and a little moisture.
- Deli-style protein, shredded: adds savory richness and satisfying protein to keep the dish hearty.
- Pepper jack cheese, shredded: for a mild spicy kick and melty texture that elevates every bite.
- Eggs: the binding heart of the strata, creating a fluffy and tender custard.
- Heavy whipping cream: adds a luscious creaminess to make the custard rich and comforting.
- Garlic powder: boosts the savory flavor profile with gentle warmth.
- Salt and ground black pepper: essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the ingredients.
How to Make Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing a 9-inch square casserole dish ensures your strata will release easily once baked, making cleanup a breeze and presentation flawless.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli florets just until they become tender; usually 2–4 minutes does the trick. This short steam keeps their bright color and crisp-tender texture, offering a fresh bite in the rich strata.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring together the steamed broccoli, cubed whole wheat bread, drained diced tomatoes, shredded deli-style protein, and pepper jack cheese. Mixing these base ingredients first ensures every flavor mingles before the custard goes in.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
Whisk the eggs, heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This custard is what makes Dad’s Day Strata Recipe wonderfully silky and binds everything into one cohesive bake.
Step 5: Combine Custard and Ingredients
Pour your egg mixture into the bowl holding the bread and veggies, and gently stir to coat everything evenly. This step lets the bread soak up all those lovely flavors, promising a moist but firm casserole after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer everything to the prepared casserole dish, spread it evenly, and bake for about 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top is lightly golden—perfect for slicing and serving.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the strata to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. This brief rest time helps each portion hold shape, and it’s just enough to let those flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh herbaceous note that uplifts the savory strata. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add delightful creaminess or a spicy zing.
Side Dishes
Serve the strata alongside a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Fresh fruit, like juicy berries or sliced melon, also pairs wonderfully, adding a sweet, refreshing contrast on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, bake the strata in individual ramekins to create personalized portions that look charming on the table. Alternatively, layering the ingredients in a clear glass dish shows off the vibrant colors, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Dad’s Day Strata Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It keeps surprisingly well and actually tastes even better when flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the baked strata by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, making it a convenient and lovely option for busy mornings or surprise guests.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This way, the texture stays tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in Dad’s Day Strata Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli for spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms depending on your family’s taste. Just make sure to cook firmer veggies slightly before assembling to keep the texture right.
What type of bread works best?
Whole wheat bread gives a lovely nutty flavor and hearty texture that stands up well in the strata, but you can use sourdough or a rustic country loaf for more crusty edges and a chewier bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut milk or another non-dairy cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the texture and richness may vary slightly.
Can I prepare the strata the night before?
Yes! Assemble the strata the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes busy mornings so much easier.
What does shredding the protein do for the dish?
Shredding the deli-style protein helps it incorporate evenly throughout the strata, ensuring a consistent savory flavor in every bite rather than having large chunks clumped together.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade meal crafted with care, and Dad’s Day Strata Recipe offers the perfect way to do just that. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with ingredients you can feel good about serving. Give it a try for your next family breakfast or Father’s Day celebration, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved tradition in your home too!
Print
Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Dad’s Day Strata is a hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole combining steamed broccoli, whole wheat bread, savory deli-style protein, and melted pepper jack cheese, all baked to perfection in a creamy egg custard. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a comforting family breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Bread
- ½ cup broccoli florets
- 3 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
Protein and Dairy
- 8 slices deli-style protein, shredded
- ¼ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Seasonings
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch square casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Steam Broccoli: Place water below a steamer insert in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and steam until tender, about 2 to 4 minutes. Drain any excess moisture after steaming.
- Combine Strata Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the steamed broccoli, cubed whole wheat bread, drained diced tomatoes, shredded deli-style protein, and shredded pepper jack cheese until evenly combined.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly with heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Egg Custard into Strata: Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the broccoli and bread mixture and stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the fully combined strata mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center and the top is lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat bread for added fiber and nutrition.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute deli-style protein with cooked breakfast sausage, ham, or turkey for variation.
- The pepper jack cheese adds a mild spicy kick but you can substitute with cheddar or mozzarella if preferred.
- Make ahead: This strata can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
