Easy Brie Basil and Tomato Strata Recipe

The first time I had this luscious Brie Basil and Tomato Strata was on a sunny July morning about ten years ago at my cousins’ house near Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. It was a beautiful morning, the coffee was hot and fresh, and I was happy to be with family and friends.

Things got even better when my cousin Esther brought her Brie Basil and Tomato Strata to the table. Made with ripe and juicy Ontario tomatoes, homegrown basil and a lovely creamy brie, it was so scrumptious that even though Esther made a double recipe – two full pans – seven of us nearly polished off both of them! The funny part is, I’m not a huge fan of Brie, but I absolutely loved this strata.

What is Strata?

A strata is a casserole made of cubes of crusty bread soaked in a flavoured egg and milk mixture.  The mixture may contain or be topped with cheese. Strata recipes are made the night before, and left in the fridge so the bread can soak up some of the eggy mixture. You then bake the casserole in the morning before serving.

Brie Basil and Tomato Strata – Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch or a Light Supper

Today Brie Basil and Tomato Strata appears regularly on our table, especially if I’m entertaining. Having said that, it also makes a great weekday breakfast or a light supper. Simply throw the strata together the night before and put it in the fridge. Get the strata out of the fridge while the oven heats up, then pop the strata in and let it cook while you get ready for the day. Leftovers reheat well the next day too.

How to Make Brie Basil and Tomato Strata

This recipe is so easy to make. You just tumble bread cubes, small chunks of brie and fresh basil leaves into a casserole dish and cover with a gorgeous eggy custard mixture. Cover the pan and place in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, bring the strata out of the refrigerator for a few minutes before you want to cook it. Top the strata with tomatoes. I love the visual effect of using tomato halves on top but if you prefer you can use thick slices of tomatoes instead. Sprinkle the tomatoes with parmesan cheese and put the strata in the oven.

What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?

Fresh basil really makes the fresh flavour of this delicious strata pop but if you don’t have fresh basil, you can use a teaspoon of dried basil instead. Just whisk it into the egg and milk mixture with the salt and pepper.

Is There a Gluten Free Option For Brie Basil and Tomato Strata?

All of the ingredients are gluten free except the bread I’ve used. Simply swap it for a crusty gluten free loaf to make this recipe gluten free.

Brie Basil and Tomato Strata has become one of our favourite breakfast and brunch dishes. It also makes a delicious light lunch or supper served with a side salad. I love it when something this delicious is so easy too!

Brie Basil and Tomato Strata – Printable Recipe

Created by: April J Harris

Brie Basil and Tomato Strata

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Canadian

Servings 6

Print

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 12 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• pinch of salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 medium loaf of Italian or French bread, cubed You need enough to fill a 13 x 9 inch baking pan
• 1 cup Brie cheese, chopped into small pieces
• a handful of fresh basil leaves, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 6 medium tomatoes Roma or Plum tomatoes work particularly well here
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Remember to start this recipe the night before you want to serve it.
• Lightly butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
• Beat together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes, pieces of Brie and the basil leaves.
• Pour carefully into the baking dish.
• Pour the eggy mixture over the top of the bread and cheese. Press the bread down lightly to encourage the bread to take up the eggy mixture.
• Cover the casserole dish and place in the refrigerator overnight.
• The next day, remove the strata from the oven for a few minutes before you want to cook it.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Halve or slice the tomatoes and arrange over top of the strata mixture.
• Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the strata becomes browned and bubbly.
• Serve hot.

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