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

Scale

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

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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.