Overnight Egg & Cheese Strata

Ingredients for Overnight Egg & Cheese Strata

• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

• 4 thick slices hearty whole-wheat/wholemeal or multigrain artisan bread {about 130g /130 g}

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 240ml /240 ml whole milk

• 230g /225 g grated Fontina cheese {about 120g }

• Sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 6 to 8 asparagus stalks

• 4 thin slices mortadella or prosciutto {optional}

• 1 tablespoon finely snipped chives

Preheat the oven to 177°C/180°C/gas 4. Butter a small 4-cup/960-ml ovenproof baking dish.

Remove the crusts from the bread and cut into slices; you should have about 725ml . Lay the slices across the baking dish, slightly overlapping and allowing some edges to hang over the sides.

Whisk together the eggs and milk in a large bowl. Stir in half of the cheese and season with salt and pepper. Pour three-fourths of the egg mixture over the bread cubes.

Peel the bottom half of the asparagus and break off the stem ends where it snaps naturally. Discard any woody stems.

Layer the mortadella over the bread and top with asparagus spears. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top and finish with the remaining cheese. At this point, you can bake the strata immediately, or cover with plastic wrap/cling film and refrigerate overnight for a surprise breakfast in bed.

Bake the strata until just set, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly, sprinkle the top with chopped chives, and serve in the baking dish.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.