Breakfast Strata (with great fillings)

PREPARE PANS: Butter or spray with oil one 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm or 3 quarts) dish or two 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm or 2 quart) pans.

PREPARE FILLINGS: For vegetarian strata, I use spinach, onions, mushrooms. For meat-based, I use sausage, onions, spinach. Choose and prepare 2-3 of these options. Spinach: Defrost and squeeze water out using hands or paper towels. Get as much water out as possible. Onions: Dice a medium onion or chop in food processor. Sauté in large skillet in 2 teaspoons olive oil on medium heat until translucent (or cook 25-30 minutes, stirring, to caramelize, adding 1/2 teaspoon sugar to speed up caramelization). Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Mushroooms: Sauté in butter or olive oil for 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat until all liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Sausage: Pan fry or grill until no longer pink on medium-high heat. Cut into small pieces. Or remove from casings and sauté ground sausage until cooked. Bacon: Fry or microwave. Or bake at 400F for 18-20 minutes. Crumble. Green Onions or Ham: Chop. No need to cook.

PREPARE CORE INGREDIENTS: Cut bread (with or without crusts) into 1 inch/2.4 cm cubes. Measure 8 cups (~500 grams challah) packed. Place in large bowl. In separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and all seasonings. Grate cheeses.

ASSEMBLE AND REFRIGERATE: Add to large bowl with bread: egg mixture; the vegetable filling; and cheeses (reserving 1/2 cup cheese to sprinkle on top). Mix lightly to combine well. Pour into prepared casserole dish or pan(s). Sprinkle on remaining cheese. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is better) or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

BAKE AND SERVE: Heat oven to 350F/176.7C. Remove strata from fridge. Uncover and bake for 40-50 minutes until puffed and golden brown on top - and just until the center doesn't jiggle when you shake the pan. Toothpick inserted in center should come out clean. If using a slightly bigger pan, bake 5-10 minutes less as strata will be thinner. Don't overbake as the strata will become dry. Serve warm. Garnish with sour cream if desired.