Just because breakfast casseroles are an easy, make-ahead way to feed a crowd, it doesn’t mean that they can’t also be elegant and beyond tasty. What makes this Italian egg bake so scrumptious is the quality and choice of ingredients. This Italian egg bake (also known as strata) is made from crusty ciabatta bread, tangy smoked mozzarella, sweet and meaty sun-dried tomatoes, and the freshest spinach from Caruso Farms East (see below). Since it can be made the night before, an Italian breakfast casserole is a perfect meal for a lazy Sunday and special enough to serve to mom this Mother’s Day.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb country Italian bread cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups cubed smoked mozzarella (about 1 lb) cut into ½-inch cubes
1 cup sundried tomatoes in oil rough chop
2 cups chopped spinach
6 eggs
3 cups heavy cream
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 350° F.
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cube bread and cheese and chop sundried tomatoes and spinach.
Add half of the cubed bread, cheese, sundried tomatoes, and spinach to your greased baking dish, making sure to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk six eggs. Whisk in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Pour egg mixture over the casserole. Use your hands to push down on the cubed bread and let the custard soak in for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, press down on the casserole again, making sure that all the bread is moist. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes and serve.
Written Recipe for Italian Egg Bake:
Fish Spatula:
About Caruso Farms East:
Wade Caruso started Caruso Farms East two years ago in Verona. He uses organic methods to grow fresh produce for individual customers and local businesses. He offers tons of salad greens, braising greens, herbs, micro greens and seasonal veggies. He also partners with other local growers to offer mushrooms and fresh eggs to his customers. What makes Caruso Farms East different from a traditional CSA is that you can order what you’d like week-to week with no commitment. Wade only offers the freshest items that are at their peak. You can choose from 3 different weekly pick up locations in Stanton Heights, Today’s Market in Oakmont and in Verona near the farm.
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