This breakfast strata is a delightful and hearty dish that's perfect for a weekend brunch or a special morning treat. Combining the savory flavors of stale bread, chopped vegetables, and crumbled tofu, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious. It's a great way to use up leftover bread and incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet.
If you're not familiar with nutritional yeast, it's a deactivated yeast that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to dishes and is often used in vegan cooking. Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice known for its earthy flavor and health benefits. Firm tofu is a versatile plant-based protein that crumbles well and absorbs flavors beautifully. These ingredients might not be in your pantry, so be sure to pick them up at the supermarket.
Ingredients For Breakfast Strata Recipe
Stale bread: Cubed bread that has been left out to dry, perfect for absorbing the liquid mixture.
Plant-based milk: A dairy-free alternative to regular milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
Chopped vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, onions, and spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Firm tofu: A block of tofu that has been pressed and crumbled to mimic the texture of scrambled eggs.
Nutritional yeast: A deactivated yeast that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to the dish.
Turmeric: A bright yellow spice that adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the tofu for this recipe, make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture. This will help the crumbled tofu absorb the flavors better and give the strata a firmer texture. To press the tofu, place it between two plates and put a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
stale bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: This is a great option for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
plant-based milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture and neutral flavor that works well in savory dishes.
chopped vegetables - Substitute with mushrooms and zucchini: These vegetables add a different texture and flavor profile, while still providing nutritional value.
firm tofu - Substitute with chickpea flour batter: Chickpea flour batter can mimic the texture of scrambled eggs when cooked, making it a good alternative to tofu.
nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a similar umami flavor and can be used in smaller quantities.
turmeric - Substitute with saffron: Saffron provides a similar color and a unique flavor, though it should be used sparingly due to its strong taste.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of flavor that enhances the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the spice level without altering the color of the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the breakfast strata to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its texture and prevents condensation from making it soggy.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled strata to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
To freeze, cut the cooled strata into individual servings. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen strata in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy again.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the frozen strata directly in the microwave. Place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and rotating as needed.
If you prefer a crispier texture, finish reheating the microwaved strata in a hot oven or toaster oven for a few minutes.
Always ensure the strata reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating to ensure food safety.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen strata, as this can affect the texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover breakfast strata in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy again.
Microwave Method:
- Place a portion of the breakfast strata on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or plant-based butter to the skillet.
- Place the leftover breakfast strata in the skillet.
- Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Remove the lid for the last minute to allow any excess moisture to evaporate, giving the strata a nice texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the strata at the specified temperature until it is golden and crispy.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, black pepper, bread, vegetables, and tofu.
Whisk: Used to mix the plant-based milk and seasonings together until well combined.
Baking dish: Used to hold the strata mixture while it bakes in the oven.
Knife: Used to chop the vegetables into small pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the vegetables.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the plant-based milk and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients together and to spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop vegetables and cube bread the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-made bread: Opt for pre-cubed bread from the store to skip the cubing step.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick breakfast later.
One-bowl mixing: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.
Preheat oven early: Turn on the oven before you start prepping to save waiting time.
Breakfast Strata Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf Stale bread, cubed
- 1 cup Plant-based milk
- 1 cup Chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
- 1 block Firm tofu, crumbled
- 2 tablespoon Nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cubed bread, chopped vegetables, and crumbled tofu to the bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Greek Yogurt Parfait Recipe with Fresh Berries10 Minutes
- Edamame Sea Salt Recipe15 Minutes
- Carne Asada Tacos Recipe30 Minutes
- Black Bean Filling Recipe25 Minutes
- Chili-Spiced Shrimp Skewers Recipe25 Minutes
- Champagne Vinaigrette Shrimp Skewers Recipe25 Minutes
- Salmon with Dill Recipe30 Minutes
- Salmon Patties Recipe25 Minutes
Leave a Reply