Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast option that will make your taste buds sing? Look no further! We have a recipe that will revolutionize your breakfast game – the savory French Onion Strata bread pudding.
When we think of bread pudding, sweet and dessert-like flavors often come to mind. But what if we told you that you could enjoy the comforting flavors of French onion soup in a breakfast casserole? Yes, you read that right! This savory breakfast casserole combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with the heartiness of bread pudding. It’s a match made in breakfast heaven.
Picture this – layers of oven-dried bread soaked in a custard mixture, topped with golden caramelized onions and a generous amount of gooey Gruyère cheese. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is simply divine. And the best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and have a delicious breakfast ready to go in the morning.
So, are you ready to take your breakfast to a whole new level? Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation of this mouthwatering French Onion Strata bread pudding.
Ingredients and Preparation of the French Onion Strata
To make the French Onion Strata, you will need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter
- Spanish onions
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Dry sherry
- Dry white wine
- Italian or French bread loaf
- Eggs
- Half-and-half or whole milk
- Smooth Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fish sauce (optional)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Grated Gruyère cheese
Start by caramelizing the onions in unsalted butter until they turn golden brown. Meanwhile, dry the bread cubes in the oven to prevent them from becoming soggy when soaked in the custard mixture.
To prepare the custard mixture, whisk together eggs, half-and-half or whole milk, smooth Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce (optional), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Next, layer the soaked bread, caramelized onions, and grated Gruyère cheese in a baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the layers, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
Preheat the oven and bake the casserole until the bread turns crisp and the custard sets. The result is a delicious breakfast casserole with a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
This French Onion Strata is not only a brunch casserole recipe but also a delicious breakfast casserole that can be enjoyed as a simple breakfast dish. It is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
Serving and Variations of the French Onion Strata
Once the French Onion Strata is baked, it can be served hot or at room temperature. The casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight, making it an ideal overnight breakfast casserole for busy mornings. Its savory bread pudding texture and rich flavors make it a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course for breakfast or brunch. Additionally, it can be served as a savory side dish for lunch or dinner.
For those looking to add a personal touch, there are numerous variations of the French Onion Strata recipe. Boost the protein quotient by incorporating cooked bacon or add a burst of flavor with roasted red peppers or mushrooms. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to suit your taste preferences. These customizable additions allow you to create a unique savory bread pudding that caters to your individual preferences.