Craving a dish that's both impressive and easy to make? Get ready to dive into my Chicken Spinach Bread Bake Strata recipe, a guaranteed hit at any brunch or gathering.
This isn't just breakfast; it's a savory, satisfying experience you won't want to miss!
Ingredients Spotlight
Okay, let's talk about the stars of our Chicken Spinach Bread Bake—the ingredients!
First, you'll need 7 cups of cubed French bread—aim for around 1-inch pieces. Next up, cheese: grab 1 cup. Any melting cheese works—cheddar, mozzarella , or a mix. Don't forget the spinach, I use 8 ounces of frozen spinach, chopped. For the best flavor, you may want to try cheddar similar to cheese bread.
Then, you need 1 cup of cooked chicken (or ham or bacon) – leftovers work great! For the egg mixture, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 1/4 cups of milk, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan! Add 1 teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper. If you're feeling fancy, some parsley for garnish adds extra flavor.
Don't skip any of these—or your bread bake won't forgive you! Trust me on that one!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let's explore into how I bring this chicken spinach bread bake to life—it's easier than you think! First, I microwave the spinach for four minutes and squeeze out the extra water—nobody likes soggy spinach!
Next, I whisk together the eggs, milk, parmesan, salt, and pepper. It smells amazing already! Spread half the bread cubes into a greased 10×10 inch baking dish. Now, layer on the spinach, chicken, and half of the cheese. This step is very similar to layering the cheese and bacon in a breakfast strata.
Top with the rest of the bread, and here's a trick: Squish it down a little. After that, pour the egg mixture over the bread. Cover everything evenly, and don't be shy! Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, squish it down again, and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. I'm telling you, you can't rush deliciousness!
Tips and Variations
I've got some cool ideas to make this bread bake even better for you—and maybe a little different each time! Subbing ingredients is a great way to start.
Throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor, or swap out the chicken for sausage—yum! You can use different cheeses. I love pepper jack for a little kick! Don't have spinach? Kale is a fantastic substitute.
For a fancy twist, try using croissants instead of bread. I bet that'll be the best brunch ever!
Remember, if you're using mozzarella? Add a pinch of extra salt. Because it needs it! Make individual portions.
If you want it the day before, add an extra egg and a little milk; otherwise, it gets sad and dry. Have fun experimenting!
Short Recipe Version
Chicken Spinach Bread Bake Strata
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, spinach, bread, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour egg mixture over bread mixture, ensuring all bread is moistened.
- Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Estimated):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g