Welcome to another delightful edition of Mangia Mondays, the weekly food blog hop that I co-host with Kristin from Delightfully Dowling! This is your go-to spot for sharing recipes, restaurant experiences, kitchen tips, and anything else food-related. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered!
We just returned from a lovely weekend celebrating a wedding. Between late nights and all the excitement, getting my kids back into the school routine has been a bit of a challenge! I’m still sorting through the photos, but I promise to share some highlights soon. For now, let’s dive into something timely and delicious: brunch ideas! With Mother’s Day, bridal showers, and baby showers on the horizon, these recipes are perfect for hosting memorable gatherings. If you missed last week’s recipes for Blueberry Lemon Cake and White Sangria, be sure to check them out!
Today, we’re talking about egg stratas. These versatile casseroles are ideal for brunches because they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, hearty, and pair wonderfully with other dishes like ham, fresh fruit salad, or even pastries. I made two delicious stratas for our Easter brunch, and while I forgot to snap “after” photos (busy day!), I’m excited to share the recipes and tips with you.
What Is an Egg Strata?
An egg strata is essentially a layered casserole featuring bread soaked in a seasoned egg mixture, then baked to perfection. Stratas are great for gatherings because you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. They’re both convenient and crowd-pleasing, making them a go-to for hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their guests.
A Creative Easter Tip
Here’s a fun side note for Easter: egg stratas require a lot of eggs, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative with dyed egg shells! Instead of blowing out eggs—a time-consuming task—you can simply crack the tops off gently with a knife, pour out the contents, and save the shells. For our Easter brunch, I saved three dozen egg shells in the weeks leading up to the holiday. We dyed them on Easter Saturday, and they became adorable mini flower vases for each place setting. The kids had a blast decorating them, and it added a unique, festive touch to the table!

Recipe 1: Bacon, Asparagus, and Cheddar Strata
This savory option is packed with flavor and makes a fantastic centerpiece for any brunch. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:
- 8 strips of bacon
- 12 slices white bread (I used “Texas Toast” for its wide slices)
- 1 bunch (2 cups) asparagus
- 9 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups (6 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13″ casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble it.
- Cube the bread into 1″ pieces. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut it into 1″ pieces. Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes in boiling water, then drain.
- Layer the bread cubes, bacon, and asparagus in the prepared dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread layers.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread cubes are submerged in the egg mixture. Chill for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight.
- Bake the strata uncovered for 45 minutes or until the center is set. Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares to serve.
Recipe 2: French Toast Strata
This sweet variation is a hit with kids and adults alike. Adapted from Food Network, it’s best enjoyed with maple syrup. I typically skip the praline topping since my kids love adding their own syrup, but feel free to include it for an extra treat!
Ingredients for the Strata:
- 1 loaf French bread (13–16 oz.)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Dash of salt
- Maple syrup for serving
- Optional: Praline Topping (recipe below)
Directions:
- Slice the French bread into 1″ thick slices.
- Butter a 9×13″ casserole dish. Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the egg mixture. Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. If desired, top the strata with praline topping before baking.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cut between the slices to serve. Pair with warm maple syrup for a decadent treat.


Optional Praline Topping:
- 2 sticks (½ lb.) butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions for the Topping:
- In a bowl, blend together the butter, brown sugar, pecans, corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the topping over the strata before baking for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
Why Egg Stratas Are Perfect for Brunch
Egg stratas are the ultimate solution for stress-free hosting. Since they can be prepared in advance, you won’t need to wake up at dawn to get breakfast or brunch ready. They’re also incredibly versatile—you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Vegetarian? Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Hosting a crowd? Double the recipe and bake in two dishes.
I hope these recipes inspire you to try something new for your next brunch. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a shower, or simply treating yourself to a delicious weekend breakfast, egg stratas are sure to impress.
What have you been cooking lately? Share your recipes, tips, or experiences in the comments below.
Let’s keep the Mangia Mondays tradition alive and enjoy a happy, food-filled week ahead!