Mushroom-Spinach Strata

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Serves: 8
 
This hearty strata is a wonderful dish for a breakfast or brunch. It’s simple to make and loaded with flavor.

Why try? 
You can prepare it a day ahead and just pop in the oven about an hour before you’re ready to serve. Its pleasant aroma helps make the morning go smoothly.

Ingredients
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons butter, divided
12 slices white bread, crusts removed
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, trimmed, sliced
2 cups yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 package frozen spinach, thawed, drained
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 to 1 pound Cheddar cheese, grated
5 eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Preparation
1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Soften 3 tablespoons butter, spread on bread, set aside.
3. Melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Saute mushrooms, onions and spinach 5 to 8 minutes or until tender. Remove from skillet, season with salt and pepper, set aside.
4. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer 1/2 bread-mushroom mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers in the same order.
5. Mix eggs, milk, mustard, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Pour over layers, refrigerate overnight.
6. Bake uncovered 1 hour or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley, serve immediately.