Chicken and Spinach Strata (Bread Bake)

Method12 steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Thaw the frozen spinach (250 g) in the microwave on HIGH for about 4 minutes, then squeeze it thoroughly to remove excess water.

   Uses 250 g chopped frozen spinach

2. 2

   Step 2: Whisk the eggs (6), milk (1¼ cups), Parmesan (¼ cup), salt (1 tsp) and black pepper together in a bowl until evenly combined.

   Uses 6 eggs · 1¼ cups milk · ¼ cup grated Parmesan · 1 tsp salt · Black pepper, to taste

3. 3

   Step 3: Spread half the bread cubes, 3½ cups, over the base of a 25 cm × 25 cm / 10 inch × 10 inch baking dish.

   Uses 3½ cups bread cubes

4. 4

   Step 4: Layer all the squeezed spinach and cooked chicken (1 cup) over the bread, then scatter over half the cheddar, ½ cup.

   Uses Bottom bread layer · Thawed, thoroughly squeezed spinach · 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced · ½ cup grated cheddar

5. 5

   Step 5: Add the remaining 3½ cups bread cubes and press down gently to compress the layers.

   Uses Bread, spinach, cooked chicken and cheese layers · Remaining 3½ cups bread cubes

6. 6

   Step 6: Pour all the whisked egg mixture evenly over the bread so that the cubes are moistened throughout.

   Uses Compressed bread layers · Whisked egg, milk and Parmesan mixture

7. 7

   Step 7: Scatter over the remaining ½ cup cheddar, then press the bread down again to help it absorb the egg mixture.

   Uses Bread layers with egg mixture · Remaining ½ cup grated cheddar

8. 8

   Step 8: Let the assembled strata stand for 30 minutes so that the bread absorbs the egg mixture. This rest is especially important when using stale bread.

   Bread absorption rest · 30 minUses Assembled uncooked strata

9. 9

   Step 9: While the strata stands, preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.

10. 10

    Step 10: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

    Covered strata bake · 20 minUses Rested assembled strata

11. 11

    Step 11: Remove the foil and bake for about 10 minutes more, until the top is golden and the egg filling is set. The centre of the casserole should reach 74°C / 165°F; continue baking if needed.

    Uncovered strata bake · 10 minUses Part-baked covered strata

12. 12

    Step 12: Divide the hot strata into four portions and serve immediately, with optional chopped parsley scattered over the top.

    Uses Golden, set chicken and spinach strata · Finely chopped parsley, optional to garnish