Spinach and Caramelized Onion Strata ..... A Great Prepare Ahead Breakfast Dish.

Spinach and Caramelized Onion Strata

We will travel to The Bay Area to celebrate the Holidays with our two younger children and family. My blog allows me great portability with recipes as I travel with my laptop. I am looking forward to serving this recipe as the breakfast dish for the family. Stratas are a wonderful dish as the ingredients can be combined the evening prior, covered and refrigerated, and baked in the morning allowing you to maximize your time with the family. This recipe makes 10 servings.

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 large onions (for 2 cups chopped pieces)

2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen spinach

8 eggs

3 cups milk

3 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided use)

1 loaf French bread (12 ounces for 8 cups cubes)

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Directions:

Heat the oil in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, peel and coarsely chop the onions, adding them to the skillet as you chop. Cook stirring occasionally over medium heat, until soft and caramelized, about 7 minutes.

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While the onions are cooking, place the spinach in a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power for 3 minutes, or until thawed well. (Some ice crystals may still remain. That's okay.) Place the defrosted spinach in a colander and press to remove as much water as possible. Leave to drain.

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In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk and 1 cup of the cheese. Add the drained spinach. Whisk to mix well.

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Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking disk with cooking oil spray. Cut the bread in one inch cubes and place them in the dish. When the onions are caramelized, toss them with the bread cubes, making sure to combine them well. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and onions. Press the bread cubes down in the egg mixture. making sure they are completely soaked. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole, add salt and pepper, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the casserole for 1 hour, or until hot and bubbling along the edges. Remove from the edges. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.