I miss my Granny every single day. I think about her and talk to her and believe she is watching over me. I wish I could know her as an adult, but from the time I did know her as well as stories Mom tells me, I know she was a strong woman and I love her even more because she raised Mom and turned her into a strong woman.
One of the things I wish the most, as I have discussed before, is how I wish she and I could cook, eat, and bake together. I know we could make some meals, like serious meals.
Instead I often make things inspired by her, like this Raisin Bread Cheddar Strata. When Granny came to visit, we often stopped at a local bagel shop where we all loved the cinnamon raisin bagels. I liked mine with cream cheese. Mom probably did the same. But Granny often chose egg salad or tuna salad to top hers.
It sounds weird, doesn’t it? But if you really think about it, it makes sense with the whole sweet and savory vibe. People even put dried fruit into various salads for that hint of sweetness and a different texture.
So inspired by Granny, and likely guided by her as well, I made this strata. It’s insanely easy to make and full of awesome flavors. Sweetness from the raisin bread; I also threw in a couple doughnuts because I didn’t have enough bread. Earthiness from the kale. Creaminess from the eggs and milk. And what’s an awesome casserole without tons of gooey cheese?
This is so perfect to serve a crowd for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even breakfast for dinner – one of my favorite meals!
Make this in honor of the loved ones you lost to share with the loved ones you have. Food is the best for making memories and I know you’ll make some awesome ones over this strata.
PrintRaisin Bread Cheddar Strata #SundaySupper
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 cups raisin bread (I used 5 cups and 1 of doughnuts), cut into cubes
- 2 cups kale, roughly torn
- 2 onions, roughly chopped and roasted with olive oil and pepper for about 40 minutes at 400 degrees F
- 7 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk (I used skim, use what you love)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 cup grated gruyere cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the bread (and potentially doughnuts) on a piece of foil and toast in the oven about 10 minutes to get a little crispy.
- Oil a 9 by 13 inch pan. Once the bread is toasted, place it in an even layer in the pan. Scatter the kale and onions around the bread.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, mustard, and cheeses. Pour over the bread. Press down slightly to make sure the bread is immersed fully in the custard.
- Bake 1 hour to 1hour 15 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and the custard is fully set. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve cold or reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Don’t forget to check out the other Sunday Supper dishes! Thanks to Em for managing this campaign!
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The Sunday Supper Movement is committed to bringing our readers delicious recipes that encourage them to gather and eat together around the family table. Search for your favorite ingredients on our Sunday Supper website. Also check out the Sunday Supper Pinterest boards for plenty more ideas and inspiration.
Cindy @CindysRecipesAndWritings says
Not weird at all. I worked as a bagel mavin and the customers put just about anything in cinnamon raisin bagels!
Liz says
I love that you used raisin bread! Make for more complex flavors and so yummy IMHO!!
Caroline says
I love making stratas, and would never have thought to combine raisin bread with savory but thinking about it, I can kind of see it working. Yum!
Wendy says
I love digging in my cupboard and seeing what I can create. I am sure your Granny would have loved this breakfast.
Debbie Eccard says
Yes, I miss her everyday too! She would have definitely loved this meal anytime! And I would love it as I love savory with sweet. Also love savory with sweet hot like Thai food so this is similar without the hot. Great make Gran would be proud of!
Laura says
Thanks for the sweet comment, Debbie! Yes, it is a bit like Thai food – I love those sweet and spicy sauces.