Spring Strata With Asparagus, Leeks, Sausage, and Cheese Recipe

1. Adjust oven racks to lower-middle and upper-middle positions. Preheat oven to 275°F. Spread bread evenly over two rimmed baking sheets. Stagger trays on oven racks and bake until mostly dried, about 35 minutes, rotating trays and stirring bread cubes several times during baking. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add leek and garlic and cook, stirring, until just starting to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Scrape into a large mixing bowl. Wipe out skillet.

3. In the same skillet, heat remaining 3 tablespoons (45ml) oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until liquid has been released and has evaporated and mushrooms are starting to brown, about 6 minutes. Add sausage and cook, using spatula or spoon to break up into small pieces, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Scrape into bowl with asparagus and add cubed cheese, parsley, and thyme.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with milk until well combined.

5. Add dried bread to asparagus and sausage mixture, pour egg mixture on top, season with salt and pepper, and mix until well combined. Transfer to a 9- by 13-inch baking dish, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 325°F. Remove plastic from baking dish and bake strata until egg is cooked through to center, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Sprinkle grated cheese on top, turn on broiler, and broil on top rack just until cheese is melted and surface of strata is lightly browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Serve.

Special Equipment

Rimmed baking sheets, 9- by 13-inch baking dish

This Recipe Appears In

• Easy Breakfast for a Crowd: Spring Strata With Asparagus and Mushrooms