Eggs Benedict Strata Recipe

Eggs Benedict Strata: A Breakfast Luxury Made Simple

Eggs Benedict is a brunch classic, loved for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. However, it can be a bit of a challenge to prepare for a crowd. That’s where the Eggs Benedict Strata comes in – a creative twist on this beloved dish, turning it into a make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s both elegant and easy. This strata is specially designed to be prepared the night before, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning with family and friends.

## Ingredients for the Strata

To make this delightful breakfast casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

–

6 English Muffins

, split and cut in half
–

12 large eggs

–

2 cups whole milk

–

1/2 cup half-and-half

–

1 teaspoon kosher salt

, plus more to taste
–

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

–

1 Tablespoon olive oil

–

8 ounces Canadian bacon

, sliced and quartered
–

1 10-ounce package baby spinach

–

Salted butter

, for greasing the pan
–

2 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese

(about 8 ounces)

## Ingredients for the Hollandaise Sauce

For the Hollandaise sauce, which adds a rich and silky texture to the strata, you will need:

–

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter

–

3 large egg yolks

–

Juice of 1/2 lemon

–

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

–

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

–

A few dashes of hot sauce

Instructions for Preparing the Strata

Making the strata involves several steps that are easy to follow and require minimal effort, especially since it can be prepared ahead of time.

Step 1: Toast the English Muffins
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the halved English muffins on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until they are golden brown, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, let them cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Canadian Bacon and Spinach
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the Canadian bacon to the skillet and cook until each side is browned, approximately 1 minute per side. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat this process with the remaining Canadian bacon.

Next, add half of the spinach to the skillet and toss until it starts to wilt. Then, add the remaining spinach and continue to cook until all the spinach is wilted. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove the spinach from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess moisture.

Step 4: Assemble the Strata
Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish generously. Begin layering the ingredients in the dish:
– Start with half of the English muffins.
– Add half of the spinach on top.
– Arrange half of the Canadian bacon over the spinach.
– Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the bacon.
Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with the remaining cheese on top.

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Step 5: Bake the Strata
About 30 minutes before baking, remove the strata from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden brown and slightly crisped, which should take an additional 25 to 30 minutes.

Preparing the Hollandaise Sauce

The Hollandaise sauce is a crucial element of Eggs Benedict, adding a creamy and tangy flavor to the dish. Here’s how to prepare it:

1.

Melt the Butter

: Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat until it is melted and sizzling.
2.

Combine Egg Yolks and Lemon Juice

: In a blender, combine the egg yolks and lemon juice.
3.

Blend with Hot Butter

: With the blender running, slowly pour the hot butter into the egg yolks. This process thickens the sauce almost immediately.
4.

Adjust Consistency

: If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1 1/2 teaspoons of warm water to loosen it.
5.

Season the Sauce

: Stir in the salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce.

Serving the Strata with Hollandaise Sauce

Just before serving the strata, drizzle some of the prepared Hollandaise sauce over the top. Serve the rest of the sauce on the side, allowing each guest to pour as much as they like.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this strata with other types of bread?
A: While English muffins are traditional in Eggs Benedict, you can experiment with other types of bread, like baguette slices or cubed bread, for a different texture.

Q: Is Canadian bacon essential, or can I substitute it with regular bacon?
A: Canadian bacon is preferred for its milder flavor and firmer texture, but regular bacon can be substituted if you prefer a smokier taste.

Q: How long can the strata be refrigerated before baking?
A: The strata can be refrigerated overnight and baked in the morning, or it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: Can I prepare the Hollandaise sauce ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to make the Hollandaise sauce just before serving, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Store it in a warm place, like the side of the stove, to keep it from solidifying.

Incorporating Additional Flavors into Your Strata

One of the joys of making a strata is the flexibility to incorporate a wide range of flavors. Here are some ideas to enhance your Eggs Benedict Strata:

–

Spinach and Artichoke Twist

: Add canned artichoke hearts and chopped fresh spinach to layers for a Mediterranean twist.
–

Mushroom and Leek Addition

: Sautéed mushrooms and leeks can add a deep, earthy flavor to the Canadian bacon layer.
–

Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Presentation and Serving

To make your Eggs Benedict Strata truly special, consider the following presentation tips:

–

Garnish with Fresh Greens

: Add some fresh spinach leaves or parsley on top for a pop of color.
–

Serve with Fresh Fruit

: Offer a side of fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, to balance the richness of the dish.
–

Use a Variety of Cheeses

: Mixing different cheeses, like cheddar and Parmesan, can provide a delightful contrast of flavors.

With these steps and suggestions, you’re ready to create a memorable breakfast experience with the Eggs Benedict Strata.