Easy Cheesy Overnight Italian Strata Recipe

4.67 from 21 votes

Easy Cheesy Overnight Italian Strata Recipe

Wake up to a taste of Italy! Our Easy Cheesy Overnight Italian Strata recipe, loaded with pancetta, gruyere, and parmesan, turns your bread leftovers into a mouthwatering breakfast treat.

Prep Time8 15

Cook Time45

Total Time9

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 731kcal

Author: Linda

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 oz. thinly sliced pancetta coarsely chopped
1 small onion chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
8 cups cubed Italian bread from a 1-pound loaf
2 cups coarsely grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
3 cups whole milk
10 large eggs

Instructions

Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and sauté pancetta until crisp. Remove and set aside. Add the olive oil to the pan and heat for 30 seconds. Add the onions and garlic, then sauté for five minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Spread one-third of the bread cubes in a well-buttered 3-quart baking dish. Top with one-third of the pancetta, one-third of the onion mixture, and one-third of each cheese. Repeat layering twice with the remaining bread, pancetta, onions, and cheese.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour evenly over the strata, then cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours or up to one day.
The next day, let it stand at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook

Store the Italian Breakfast Casserole leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then bake in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through, which typically takes about 20 minutes.

Nutrition