Go Back
Beef,Egg and Cheese Strata
Isabella

Beef, Egg and Cheese Strata

This hearty make-ahead breakfast strata layers toasted bread, savory beef, fluffy eggs, and sharp cheddar into a rich, custardy casserole perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or a comforting morning meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Strata Base
  • 12 cups brioche or kaiser roll cubes (11–13 oz total) cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 12 oz thick-cut beef, sliced into pieces for smoky flavor
  • 12 large eggs room temperature
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • ¼ cup finely chopped chives plus extra for garnish
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • 8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, grated about 2½ cups
  • butter for greasing the baking dish
For Serving
  • hot sauce optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps toast the bread and crisp the beef evenly.
  2. Step 2: Toast the Bread & Cook the Beef: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. On another sheet lined with foil, lay out the beef pieces. Toast bread 10–15 minutes and bake beef 15–20 minutes until crisp. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Make the Custard: Whisk 12 eggs until smooth, then add milk, chives, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure a silky custard.
  4. Step 4: Assemble the Base: Grease a 9×13-inch dish with butter. Add the toasted bread. Pour custard over the bread, pressing gently to help it absorb. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Step 5: First Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish, nestle crisp beef pieces into the mixture, and bake for 20 minutes until the top begins to set.
  6. Step 6: Add Cheese and Final Eggs: Sprinkle Cheddar over the top. Create 6 wells and crack 6 eggs into them. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until whites are set and yolks are soft (or cook longer if you prefer firmer yolks).
  7. Step 7: Serve: Serve hot with extra chives and optional hot sauce.

Notes

Toast the bread well to avoid a soggy strata. Try alternative cheeses like Gruyère or Jack for variety. For a firmer texture, extend the initial bake by 5–10 minutes before adding the eggs.