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.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Vegetables
- 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
Protein and Cheese
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
Custard Mixture
- 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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Kale and Mushroom Strata, Brunch, Plant-Based Cheese, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Vegetarian, Savory Strata