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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful, and highly satisfying breakfast that you can prepare in advance, the Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This delightful casserole layers tender English muffins, sautéed crimini mushrooms, fresh asparagus, red bell pepper, and creamy cheese, all soaked in a rich egg and milk custard, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that wakes up the kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills your home with warm, wholesome vibes. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or when you want a fuss-free yet impressive meal that feeds a crowd, this strata is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this strata a showstopper. Each component plays an essential role, from the buttery sautéed mushrooms adding earthiness, to the fresh asparagus bringing crisp brightness, and the toasted English muffins providing a sturdy yet tender base that soaks up all the savory goodness. The cheese lends creamy meltiness, while the eggs and milk blend everything together into a luscious custard.
- Butter: Just 2 teaspoons to sauté the mushrooms perfectly without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Crimini mushrooms: 1 ¾ cups sliced, they offer a deep, earthy richness that’s key for balance.
- English muffins: 5, split and toasted to provide a sturdy foundation that absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided—melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Fresh asparagus: 1 pound trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces for a fresh, green crunch.
- Red bell pepper: ½ cup chopped, adds sweet color and subtle crispness.
- Onion: ½ finely chopped, lending a mellow, savory undertone.
- Milk: 2 cups to create the creamy custard base.
- Eggs: 8 large, they bind everything together into the perfect strata texture.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for seasoning that enhances every flavor.
- Ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon for a gentle warmth and subtle spice.
How to Make Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your sliced crimini mushrooms. Cook them until they start to brown and most of their moisture has evaporated—this usually takes about 10 minutes. This step concentrates their deep, savory flavor and builds a fantastic base for the strata.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things from sticking. Place eight of the toasted English muffin halves, cut side up, neatly across the bottom. For any gaps, tear the remaining toasted muffins into smaller pieces and tuck those in to create an even layer. This will soak up the egg mixture and ensure your strata holds together beautifully.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Sprinkle half of your shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese over the muffins for an early cheesy layer. Next, add sautéed mushrooms, followed by the freshly cut asparagus pieces, chopped red bell pepper, and onion. This colorful layering not only creates a flavor-packed strata but makes every bite a delicious surprise.
Step 4: Prepare and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in your baking dish, ensuring every nook gets soaked with custard goodness. This overnight soak is what sets this strata apart by allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your baking dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This resting period allows the muffins to absorb the custard fully, making sure your strata will bake into a custardy, tender, and flavorful masterpiece.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
The next day, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes—this helps it bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the remaining shredded cheese on top for a luscious, golden crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. Before cutting into squares, let the strata rest for 5 to 10 minutes to settle and make slicing easier.
How to Serve Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley can add a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich, creamy strata beautifully. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream also pairs wonderfully for a little tang and heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this strata alongside a crisp mixed green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast. Fresh fruit like berries or melon enhances the meal with something sweet and juicy, balancing the savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting brunch, consider serving the overnight asparagus mushroom strata in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or layer it in a clear glass dish so everyone can admire those colorful, delicious layers before digging in. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee or mimosas to elevate your breakfast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings when you just want to reheat and enjoy.
Freezing
You can freeze this strata for up to 2 months. To do so, cool the baked strata completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier top, pop the whole dish or slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. This retains the strata’s texture wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use different bread instead of English muffins?
Absolutely! While English muffins provide a great texture and absorbency, you can substitute with day-old crusty bread or sturdy sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s toasted or dry enough to soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata Recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as you use butter and cheese that are free of animal rennet. It’s packed with vegetables and cheese, making it a wholesome option for vegetarians.
Can I add other vegetables or meats?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the strata with your favorite ingredients. Cooked bacon or sausage can add hearty flavor, while vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes work beautifully too. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender and well-cooked.
Do I have to soak the strata overnight?
Overnight soaking is what really sets this recipe apart, allowing the flavors to meld and the muffins to soak the custard fully. However, if short on time, soaking for at least 2 to 4 hours can still yield a tasty dish, though not quite as custardy.
What if I don’t have Colby-Monterey Jack cheese?
You can swap in mild cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses that melt well. The cheese gives creaminess and flavor, so choose something that suits your taste and melts nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your breakfast arsenal. It’s comforting, packed with fresh veggies and cheesy goodness, and wonderfully easy thanks to the make-ahead convenience. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend brunch or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish hits all the right notes. So give it a try, and enjoy waking up to a breakfast that feels lovingly homemade but effortlessly simple.
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Print
Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Asparagus Mushroom Strata is a delicious, make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. It features sautéed crimini mushrooms, fresh asparagus, red bell pepper, and onion layered with toasted English muffins and a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheese. Soaked overnight in a savory egg and milk mixture, then baked to golden perfection, this hearty strata is flavorful, comforting, and ideal for serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Bread
- 2 teaspoons butter, or as needed
- 1 ¾ cups sliced crimini mushrooms
- 5 English muffins, split and toasted
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ½ onion, finely chopped
Dairy and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 cups milk
- 8 eggs
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown and most of their liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange eight muffin halves, cut-side up, in the bottom of the dish. Tear remaining muffins into smaller pieces and use to fill any open spaces.
- Layer Ingredients: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the muffins. Top with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus pieces, red bell pepper, and onion.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, salt, mustard powder, and black pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
- Bake: The next day, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it stand for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the remaining cheese over the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh asparagus and crimini mushrooms for robust flavor and texture.
- You can prepare the strata up to 24 hours in advance if refrigerated properly.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the strata set for easier slicing.
- Make sure the egg mixture covers the bread completely to ensure even custard texture.
- This dish can be reheated with a cover to prevent drying out.
