Spinach Cheese Strata

This was our yummy day after Christmas breakfast this year. My family came in that morning and so although we did have a delightful Christmas Day breakfast, we also had this and I think it won out of the 2. It's easy and straightforward to assemble and you're supposed to do it ahead of time, like the night before or early in the morning if having breakfast for dinner. I love a good make-ahead anything. But I did it about 2 hours before and it was still terrific, so whether you plan ahead or not this is going to fill you right up in the best way. I loved it all--the dense egg-baked right in bread, salty, melted cheese, healthy spinach, and my addition of sauteed grape tomatoes on top.

Spinach and Cheese Strata

{Slightly adapted from Smitten Kitchen}

1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed, and squeezed of all excess liquid, then chopped

OR

a generous couple handfuls of fresh chopped spinach cooked down in some olive oil, lightly salted

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions (1 large)

3 T butter

1 t salt

1/2 t black pepper

1/4 t nutmeg

8 cups 1-inch cubed dense french or italian bread (1/2lb), I used a wheat french bread, it was good!

2 cups grated gruyere

1 cup finely grated parmesan

2 3/4 cups milk

9 large eggs

2 T dijon mustard

1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, briefly sautéed in oil with a little salt and pepper

Saute onion in butter until soft. Add 1/2 t salt, 1/4 t pepper and nutmeg and cook for 1 minute. Stir in spinach, remove from heat and set aside.

Spread one third of bread cubes in a well-buttered 3 quart baking dish. Top with one third of bread cubes, 1/3 spinach mixture, and 1/3 of each cheese. Repeat layering twice.

Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, and remaining 1/2 t salt and 1/4 t pepper together in large bowl and pour evenly over strata. Top with sauteed tomatoes. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 8 hours or up to a day in advance.

When ready to bake, let stand at room temp for 30 minutes and then bake uncovered at 350 for 45-55 minutes. Should be golden, puffed, and cooked through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Amply serves 6-8