Name: Kale and Mushroom Strata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups stale crusty bread cubes; 2 cups fresh chopped kale; 1 ½ cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped; 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and visually stunning dish to elevate your brunch menu, look no further than this easy Kale and Mushroom Strata. Combining the earthiness of fresh mushrooms, the nourishing crunch of kale, and the smoky richness of smoked turkey bacon, this strata is a perfect way to impress your family and friends. The plant-based cheese adds a luscious creaminess while keeping the dish light and inviting. Whether you want a weekday treat or a delightful weekend centerpiece, this Kale and Mushroom Strata recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to for your brunch gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavors: Smoked turkey bacon and earthy mushrooms create a deliciously savory base that wakes up your taste buds.
Simple Prep: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this recipe fits effortlessly into any busy morning schedule.
Healthy Boost: Kale brings a powerhouse of nutrients, making this dish both energizing and satisfying.
Versatile Brunch Dish: Perfect for casual and special occasions, adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Plant-Based Cheese: Adds creaminess and depth without heaviness, keeping it plant-friendly and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Kale and Mushroom Strata plays a crucial role, from texture to flavor balance. These simple staples come together to make an unforgettable brunch masterpiece.

Stale Bread: Using a good crusty bread adds structure and soaks up the rich custard beautifully.
Kale: Fresh, chopped kale injects color, nutrients, and a gentle crunch.
Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or button mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty flavor.
Smoked Turkey Bacon: Offers a smoky, savory note that enhances depth without overpowering.
Plant-Based Cheese: Melts wonderfully to create a luscious texture.
Eggs: Bind the dish together with a rich custard base.
Milk: A creamy liquid that softens the bread and ties flavors together.
Onion and Garlic: Bring aromatic notes that elevate the savory components.
Apple Cider Vinegar (natural): Adds a subtle brightness to balance the creamy custard.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme, salt, pepper enhance the overall layers of flavor.
Natural Gelling Agent: Helps achieve the ideal custard consistency without heaviness.

Variations for Kale and Mushroom Strata

Feel free to put your own creative spin on this recipe. The Kale and Mushroom Strata is incredibly adaptable and can be tweaked to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Swap Vegetables: Use spinach, Swiss chard, or roasted red peppers instead of kale for variety.
Different Mushrooms: Experiment with shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for unique earthy flavors.
Cheese Choices: Substitute with plant-based feta or mozzarella style cheese for a twist on creaminess.
Smoked Turkey Bacon Alternatives: Replace with smoked turkey slices or even marinated tofu for added protein.
Herbal Infusions: Add fresh rosemary, oregano, or dill to bring new aromatic layers.

Easy Kale and Mushroom Strata for Brunch

How to Make Kale and Mushroom Strata

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Smoked Turkey Bacon

Start by sautéing chopped onions, garlic, sliced mushrooms, kale, and smoked turkey bacon in a pan until tender and fragrant. This builds a hearty, flavorful base perfect for your strata.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a bowl, beat eggs together with milk, apple cider vinegar (natural), herbs, seasonings, and the natural gelling agent. This creates a creamy custard base that brings all ingredients together seamlessly.

Step 3: Assemble the Strata

Layer the stale bread cubes evenly in a greased baking dish. Spread the sautéed vegetables and smoked turkey bacon over the bread and sprinkle the plant-based cheese on top.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread and filling, pressing down gently to help bread absorb the custard. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak fully before baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard is set in the center.

Pro Tips for Making Kale and Mushroom Strata

Use Day-Old Bread: It soaks custard better without turning mushy, giving your strata perfect structure.
Sauté Vegetables Thoroughly: Ensures excess moisture evaporates, preventing sogginess.
Let it Rest Before Baking: Gives bread time to absorb flavorful custard fully.
Plant-Based Cheese Quality: Choose a high-quality melting variety for best texture and mouthfeel.
Customize Seasoning: Taste your custard mixture before pouring and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly.

How to Serve Kale and Mushroom Strata

Garnishes

Finish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of freshness and color contrast. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a silky touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your strata with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or fresh fruit salad to brighten the meal balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for charming portion control, or plate with avocado slices and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an elevated brunch experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen and makes reheating easier without drying out.

Freezing

Portion and freeze your strata in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the crusty top and moist interior.

FAQs

Can I make Kale and Mushroom Strata vegan?

You can swap the eggs with a plant-based custard alternative and use dairy-free milk to create a vegan-friendly strata variation.

What is the best bread for strata?

Sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough or French bread works best as it absorbs the custard well without falling apart.

Can I prepare the strata the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the strata the evening prior, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

How do I prevent the strata from getting soggy?

Sauté vegetables thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture and use day-old bread for better custard absorption without sogginess.

Is smoked turkey bacon necessary?

Smoked turkey bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor, but you can replace it with smoked turkey slices or other preferred savory proteins.

Final Thoughts

This Kale and Mushroom Strata is a delightful, nourishing, and easy-to-make brunch staple that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Its beautiful layers of flavor and texture will inspire you to keep this recipe as a staple for cozy mornings and special gatherings alike. Give it a try, and watch it become a cherished favorite in your home!

Kale and Mushroom Strata

Author: Eric
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This easy Kale and Mushroom Strata is a comforting, flavorful, and visually stunning brunch dish combining fresh kale, earthy mushrooms, and smoky smoked turkey bacon. Enhanced with plant-based cheese and a creamy custard infused with herbs and natural apple cider vinegar, this strata offers a nourishing and delicious way to elevate your brunch menu. Perfect for casual meals or special gatherings, the recipe is simple to prepare and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables and Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large pan, sauté the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, chopped kale, and smoked turkey bacon until tender and fragrant, about 7-10 minutes. This creates a hearty and flavorful base for your strata.
Whisk the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs together with milk, apple cider vinegar (natural), fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent until smooth. This creamy custard will bind all ingredients together in the strata.
Assemble the Strata: Grease a baking dish and evenly layer the stale bread cubes on the bottom. Spread the sautéed vegetables and smoked turkey bacon mixture evenly over the bread. Sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese on top.
Pour and Soak: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and filling layers, pressing down gently to help the bread fully absorb the custard. Let the assembled strata sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to soak completely before baking.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set in the center. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old crusty bread for the best custard absorption without sogginess.
Sauté vegetables thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture and prevent a soggy strata.
Allow the strata to rest after pouring the custard to let the bread soak up flavors fully.
Choose a high-quality melting plant-based cheese for optimal texture and creaminess.
Adjust the seasoning of the custard mixture before assembly to your preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American