This comforting breakfast strata is packed with smoky bacon, creamy cheeses, and tender spinach—all layered into buttery challah cubes and baked until golden.
It’s perfect for make-ahead brunches, holidays, or anytime you want a hearty, satisfying morning meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-ahead friendly – Chill overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
Loaded with flavor – Bacon, spinach, garlic, and three cheeses in every bite.
Rich and comforting – Buttery bread soaked in creamy custard.
Crowd-pleasing – Great for brunch, potlucks, or breakfast-for-dinner.
Customizable – Easy to swap ingredients based on what you have.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Bacon – Cooked until crisp and crumbled for smoky flavor.
Challah bread – Soft and eggy, ideal for soaking up custard.
Frozen spinach – Thawed and squeezed dry to avoid sogginess.
Cheddar, Gruyère & Parmesan – A rich, cheesy trio for depth and melt.
Milk & eggs – The custard base that binds it all.
Garlic & green onions – Aromatic layers that lift the dish.
Dijon mustard & red pepper flakes – Add a kick of flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use day-old bread if possible—it holds shape better when soaked.
Squeeze the spinach very dry to avoid a watery strata.
Chill overnight to fully absorb the custard for best texture.
Let it sit out 30 minutes before baking to remove the chill.
Bake uncovered for a golden, crisp top.
How to Make Spinach Bacon Breakfast Strata
Step 1: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes.
Season with salt and black pepper, then stir in half the cooked bacon.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Melt butter in a skillet and cook the garlic, green onions, and spinach for a few minutes until heated and fragrant.
Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the cubed challah bread to the dish.
Step 4: Layer the Flavor
Pour the spinach mixture over the bread and gently toss.
Then pour the custard evenly over everything.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Stir in most of the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan.
Reserve some cheese for topping later.
Step 6: Chill Overnight
Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top, then bake for about 30 minutes until golden, puffed, and set in the center.
What to Serve It With
Fresh fruit salad or citrus wedges
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Coffee, tea, or orange juice
Hash browns or roasted potatoes
Baked tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms
Variations / Substitutions
Use brioche or French bread instead of challah
Swap spinach for kale or sautéed mushrooms
Add cooked sausage instead of bacon
Try different cheeses like fontina or Monterey Jack
Omit red pepper flakes for a milder version
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual slices until heated through.
FAQs
Can I prep this strata in advance?
Yes, it’s designed to be made the night before and baked the next day.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but be sure to sauté and drain it very well to remove excess moisture.
What’s the texture like?
It’s rich and custardy inside with a lightly crisp top—like a savory bread pudding.
Do I have to use challah bread?
No, brioche or even crusty French bread will work well too.
Can I skip the cheese?
Cheese adds richness and flavor, but you can reduce or change the amount based on preference.
Is it spicy?
Only slightly from the red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a milder version.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based bacon.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Bacon Breakfast Strata is everything I love in a breakfast bake—cheesy, hearty, and easy to prep ahead.
It’s always a hit at brunch and reheats beautifully throughout the week.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday or meal prepping for busy mornings, this dish brings comfort and flavor to the table every time.
