Veggie Dinner Strata

The Veggie Dinner Strata is a delicious, hearty dish that combines the best of savory bread pudding with colorful vegetables. The rich Cheddar cheese adds a comforting touch, while the broccoli, bell peppers, and cauliflower bring in bursts of freshness and nutrients. It’s perfect for dinner and makes fantastic leftovers for breakfast the next day.

This dish is also incredibly versatile—swap out the veggies with what you have on hand or experiment with different types of cheese. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this strata will become a family favorite in no time.

Full Recipe:

Butter, for greasing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 teaspoons kosher salt
12 large eggs
1 cup low-fat or whole milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar
1 loaf Italian bread, ciabatta or baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add the diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and cauliflower florets to the skillet, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until slightly tender.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Add the bread cubes and cooked vegetables into the egg mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in the shredded Cheddar.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and set.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Veggie Dinner Strata: A Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion

The Veggie Dinner Strata is a versatile, satisfying dish that brings together a combination of savory vegetables, eggs, cheese, and bread. It’s an ideal option for those looking to prepare a hearty vegetarian meal that feels comforting and indulgent while being packed with nutrients. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a brunch gathering, or simply looking for a meal-prep option, this recipe will hit the mark on all fronts.

Here’s a deeper dive into why this dish is not only delicious but also practical for various occasions.

What is a Strata?

A strata is a layered casserole that typically involves bread, eggs, and a variety of other ingredients. It’s similar to a savory bread pudding and often includes cheese and vegetables, though it can also be made with meats like ham or sausage. What makes a strata unique is its structure: the bread absorbs a flavorful mixture of eggs and milk, creating a soft, fluffy interior with a crispy top when baked. The result is a dish that’s simultaneously rich, comforting, and customizable.

The veggie version of a strata replaces the usual meat ingredients with a colorful mix of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers. The addition of Cheddar cheese gives the dish a creamy, tangy flavor, making it just as satisfying as a meat-based version, but lighter and more nutrient-dense.

Why You’ll Love Veggie Dinner Strata

Budget-Friendly: The Veggie Dinner Strata is a perfect meal if you’re looking to feed a crowd on a budget. Bread, eggs, and seasonal vegetables are relatively inexpensive, and you can use whichever veggies are on sale or already in your fridge.
Leftover-Friendly: One of the best parts about a strata is that it can easily be reheated and enjoyed the next day. Leftovers make an excellent breakfast or lunch, and the flavors only improve as the ingredients have more time to meld together. You can store portions in airtight containers for a quick grab-and-go meal.
Customizable: You can make this dish your own by swapping out ingredients. Try using different vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you enjoy most. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms could work beautifully in place of—or in addition to—broccoli and cauliflower. You can also experiment with different types of bread like sourdough or whole wheat for a nuttier flavor. Want a different cheese? Swap out Cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper Jack for an extra kick.
Great for Meal Prep: If you’re someone who enjoys meal prepping, strata is a great addition to your repertoire. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat. This makes it ideal for busy families or individuals who want to save time in the kitchen without sacrificing a wholesome meal.
Nutritious: Despite feeling indulgent, Veggie Dinner Strata is packed with nutrients. Broccoli and cauliflower are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. Bell peppers are high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and A. Eggs add protein to the dish, and the use of whole milk and cheese provides calcium. Together, these ingredients make a filling meal that’s both delicious and good for you.
Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is a wonderful choice for those following a vegetarian diet or looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine. The eggs and cheese provide sufficient protein, while the veggies add a hearty texture and flavor. You won’t miss the meat in this flavorful, filling meal.
Perfect for Gatherings: The strata’s layered, colorful presentation makes it a great option for serving at brunches, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s easy to transport, can be made in advance, and appeals to a variety of tastes. You can serve it as a main dish, or cut it into smaller squares for a side dish or appetizer.
Comfort Food Appeal: Strata is the definition of comfort food. The warm, soft bread combined with gooey cheese and tender vegetables offers a cozy, home-cooked feel that’s perfect for cold nights or when you want a satisfying meal that isn’t overly heavy.

Key Features of the Veggie Dinner Strata

Soft Yet Crispy Texture: Thanks to the bread cubes absorbing the egg mixture, this dish achieves a texture that is both soft and crispy. The top layer becomes golden and slightly crunchy in the oven, while the interior remains soft and creamy. It’s this contrast in textures that makes each bite interesting and delicious.
Cheesy Goodness: The Cheddar cheese in this recipe adds richness and a tangy flavor that pairs well with the earthy vegetables. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your liking, or even add other cheeses for complexity. Gruyère or Parmesan would be excellent additions if you want to elevate the dish even further.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of mild broccoli and cauliflower with the sweetness of red bell peppers creates a beautiful balance of flavors. The eggs and milk provide a creamy base, while the sautéed onions and garlic add depth and aroma. The result is a dish that feels indulgent but isn’t overpowering.
Health Benefits: While it’s indulgent, this dish is also packed with nutrients. Cauliflower and broccoli provide fiber and antioxidants, while bell peppers offer a boost of vitamins. Eggs are a complete source of protein, and using whole grain bread or multigrain varieties can increase the fiber content even further. This makes the strata a health-conscious option that still feels like a treat.
Minimal Cleanup: Because the strata is a one-dish meal, you won’t have a mountain of dishes to clean afterward. The prep work can be done using just a few tools like a cutting board, knife, skillet, and baking dish, making cleanup simple and quick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a Fresh Salad: To keep things light, serve your Veggie Dinner Strata with a crisp green salad. A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing would complement the richness of the strata nicely.
Serve with Soup: For a cozier meal, pair this dish with a warm bowl of tomato soup or a hearty vegetable stew. The contrast between the creamy strata and a tangy soup can create a balanced, satisfying meal.
Brunch Ready: Add a fresh fruit salad, mimosas, or a fruit smoothie to the table for a perfect weekend brunch spread. The strata’s combination of eggs, veggies, and bread makes it a natural fit for a morning or midday meal.
Toppings & Garnishes: Consider garnishing the strata with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add a hint of heat for those who enjoy a little spice.

Variations and Customizations

Vegan Adaptation: Although this recipe uses eggs and cheese, you can easily make a vegan version by using plant-based alternatives. Replace the eggs with a mixture of silken tofu or chickpea flour and water, and substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk. Use vegan cheese or simply omit it altogether for a lighter dish.
Gluten-Free Option: For those who are gluten-sensitive, opt for gluten-free bread varieties. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a simple adjustment for those with dietary restrictions.
Add More Protein: If you’re not vegetarian or simply want to boost the protein content, you can easily add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham to the dish. Just sauté the meat with the vegetables before combining everything with the bread and egg mixture.
Spice It Up: For those who love spicy food, adding jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a spicy cheese like pepper Jack can give the dish an extra kick.

Conclusion

The Veggie Dinner Strata is a simple, wholesome dish that’s perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for your family or looking for a delicious recipe to serve at your next brunch gathering, this strata will exceed expectations. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and comforting flavors make it a go-to option for anyone who enjoys hearty, satisfying food.

Because it’s highly customizable, you can tweak the recipe to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply looking for a way to use up leftover vegetables, this dish is adaptable, delicious, and nutritious.

Incorporating a strata into your meal rotation offers you a chance to enjoy a comforting, homemade dish with minimal effort—plus, the leftovers are just as tasty!