Spinach and Cheese Strata

Name: Spinach and Cheese Strata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6-8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed; 1 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped (1 large); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated; 8 cups French bread (1/2 lb) or 8 cups Italian bread, in 1 inch cubes (1/2 lb); 6 ounces gruyere, coarsely grated (2 cups); 2 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, finely grated (1 cup); 2 3/4 cups milk; 9 large eggs; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Submitted by Ms B.

"I adopted this recipe. Don't let the length of the recipe scare you. It is really a very simple dish to prepare with excellent flavors. The gruyere adds a lot of flavor to this savory dish."

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photo by Ms B.

Ready In:: 1hr 20mins
Ingredients:: 12
Serves:: 6-8

ingredients

1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed
1 ¹⁄₂ cups onions, finely chopped (1 large)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
¹⁄₄ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
8 cups French bread (1/2 lb) or 8 cups Italian bread, in 1 inch cubes (1/2 lb)
6 ounces gruyere, coarsely grated (2 cups)
2 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, finely grated (1 cup)
2 ³⁄₄ cups milk
9 large eggs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

directions

Squeeze handfuls of spinach to remove as much liquid as possible, then finely chop.
Cook onion in butter in a large heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
Stir in spinach, then remove from heat.
Spread one third of bread cubes in a buttered 3-quart gratin dish or other shallow ceramic baking dish and top evenly with one third of spinach mixture.
Sprinkle with one third of each cheese.
Repeat layering twice (ending with cheeses).
Whisk together milk, eggs, mustard, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl and pour evenly over strata.
Chill strata, covered with plastic wrap, at least 8 hours (for bread to absorb custard).
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Let strata stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
Bake strata, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, 45 to 55 minutes.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
note: Strata can be chilled up to 1 day.
Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

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Reviews

This is the exact recipe that was originally published in Gourmet Magazine -- it's the most delicous dish ever!

LoveMyVeggies
I had this dish at a brunch party and was given the recipe. I can't wait to try it, yum!!! I found it a little bit too eggy for my liking, but other than that, it was delicious. I'm very picky with my eggs though, so I wouldn't let that deter you. Awesome texture, flavor and all around favorite at the gathering (even with meat eaters).

KT9791