Sicilian-style Strata

Sicilian-style Strata...

A Bold, Savory Italian-Inspired Breakfast Bake

This Sicilian-Style Strata is a rich, layered casserole inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of southern Italy. Built with crusty bread, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, herbs, and savory additions, it’s hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for brunch gatherings, make-ahead breakfasts, or an easy vegetarian dinner, this strata delivers rustic comfort with Mediterranean flair.

---

Table of Contents

1. What Makes a Strata Sicilian-Style?

2. Why This Dish Is Perfect for Entertaining

3. Ingredients

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

5. Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

6. Serving Suggestions

---

What Makes a Strata Sicilian-Style?

Unlike classic American strata, the Sicilian version emphasizes bright, bold Mediterranean flavors:

• Ripe tomatoes or tomato sauce

• Garlic and olive oil

• Fresh or dried oregano and basil

• Briny olives or capers

• Robust cheeses like pecorino or provolone

The result is a strata that’s savory, slightly tangy, and layered with depth.

---

Why This Dish Works So Well

• Bread absorbs the custard, creating creamy layers

• Eggs bind everything together without heaviness

• Cheese adds richness and structure

• Tomatoes and herbs brighten the dish

It’s rustic yet refined—perfect for both casual and special occasions.

---

Ingredients

• 4 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or crushed tomatoes, drained)

• ½ cup olives (Kalamata or green), sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1½ cups shredded provolone or mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano

• 6 large eggs

• 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Optional additions: sautéed onions, roasted red peppers, cooked Italian sausage, or anchovies

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Lightly grease a baking dish (23 × 33 cm / 9 × 13 in).

3. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.

Step 2: Build the Layers

1. Drizzle olive oil over bread.

2. Sprinkle with garlic, olives, tomatoes, and half the cheese.

Step 3: Make the Custard

1. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

2. Pour evenly over the bread mixture.

3. Press gently to help bread absorb liquid.

4. Top with remaining cheeses.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until golden and set in the center.

Step 5: Rest & Garnish

1. Let strata rest 10 minutes before slicing.

2. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

---

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Assemble the strata up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.

• Let sit at room temperature 20 minutes before baking.

• Leftovers keep well for 3 days refrigerated.

• Reheat gently to maintain texture.

---

Why This Recipe Works

• Bold Sicilian flavors elevate a classic strata

• Perfect balance of richness and acidity

• Flexible ingredients adapt to what you have on hand

• Ideal for crowds and stress-free entertaining

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette

• Pair with fresh fruit and espresso for brunch

• Enjoy as a meatless dinner with roasted vegetables

---

Meta Description (SEO-Friendly):
Sicilian-Style Strata is a savory Italian-inspired breakfast bake layered with bread, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and herbs. Perfect for brunch or make-ahead meals.

Rich Snippet Idea:

• Recipe Type: Breakfast / Brunch

• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / Sicilian

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

• Servings: 6–8

OTHER RECIPES

.a nice convection oven recipes to try !

Whenever I host family or friends for brunch, I prefer to prepare a dish that can be made the night before and yields multiple servings. Quiche, frittata, and strata are excellent options.

In Italian, strata translates to layers and is generally composed of bread, eggs, milk and/or cream, cheese, and vegetables. Incorporating meat, such as ham, bacon, chicken, or sausage is also a possibility. The advantage of strata is that it can be prepared ahead of time, reheats beautifully in the oven, and is universally enjoyed!

Ingredients

* 1 loaf (1 lb.) crusty, Italian-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 ounces thick-sliced prosciutto or ham, diced
* 1/4 cup chopped canned roasted red peppers
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
* 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chopped tomatoes
* 1/4 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 6 large eggs
* 3 cups milk
* 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped parsley
* 2 tablespoons drained capers

Instructions

1. Spread half the bread cubes level in a lightly oiled 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with prosciutto, peppers, green onions, and parmesan cheese. Spread remaining bread cubes level on top, followed by tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella.

2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to blend. Pour over layered ingredients. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or up to one day.

3. Bake in a 325° regular or convection oven until center of Strata is set and top is lightly browned, 40 to 50 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with parsley and capers. Let stand 10 minutes, then cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. The convection oven recipe is ready....enjoy !
classic-roast-turkey.

VIDEO: