LIGHT AND FLUFFY SPINACH AND CHEESE STRATA

Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time : 50 minutes | Makes 8 Servings

This is a great dish to serve at a brunch, especially because you can make it in advance, but it also makes a nice change for a family dinner. Serve with blueberries or blackberries.

INGREDIENTS

  • 10 oz Frozen chopped spinach
  • 6 Eggs
  • 1/2 Cup swiss cheese (shredded)
  • 1 Cup cheddar cheese (shredded, reduced-fat)
  • 1 Tsp herbs de Provence or thyme, or other Italian herbs
  • 3 Slice bacon ((turkey, pork, or meatless), cooked and diced (optional))
  • 6 Slice ciabatta bread (about 1/2 inch thick, cubed, or use any day-old bread (about 4 cups))
  • 1 1/2 Cup Milk (non-fat or low-fat)
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp garlic powder

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DIRECTIONS

DO AHEAD OR DELEGATE: Defrost the spinach, combine and refrigerate the eggs and the milk, shred the cheese, if necessary, and refrigerate, combine the dry seasonings, cube the bread, or fully assemble and refrigerate the strata.Defrost the spinach in the microwave or on the stovetop. Spray a 9 Å~ 13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the bacon, if necessary.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and the milk. Whisk in the cheeses, herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the spinach, bacon (optional), and bread cubes until the bread is completely moistened. Pour the egg mixture into the baking dish, smoothing it with the back of a spoon, if necessary. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.

When you are ready to bake it, remove the strata from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake it in the center of the oven, uncovered, for 45–50 minutes until it is browned on the edges and cooked through in the center. Cut into squares to serve.

SLOW COOKER DIRECTIONS: In the slow cooker, whisk together the eggs and the milk, then whisk in the cheeses, herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the spinach, bacon, and bread cubes until the bread is completely moistened.Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.

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