This Gluten-Free Breakfast Strata is made with layers of breakfast staples including gluten-free bread, bacon or ham, veggies, and more. Baked in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy breakfast, brunch, or dinner option for everything from Christmas morning to a random weekday!
What’s the Difference Between a Frittata and a Strata?
A frittata is a round, omelet-like dish made in a large skillet with whisked eggs, milk, and cream. The end result is a fluffy egg bake with a rich flavor similar to quiche.
Meanwhile, a strata can be thought of as a type of savory bread pudding or a type of breakfast casserole. It’s made with layers of crusty bread and mix-ins topping with an egg custard. Soaked overnight and baked the next day, strata recipes come out similarly to overnight French toast. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of savory flavor.
Gluten-Free Ingredients
This strata is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge! It’s a scrappy breakfast dish that utilizes leftovers
- Gluten-Free Bread Rolls or Crusty Gluten-Free Bread – Dry, slightly stale varieties are best. If all you have is fresh bread on hand, you can easily create stale bread by toasting it in the oven.
- Protein – We like to use diced uncured bacon or smoked ham, but any protein you have on hand will work. For instance, shredded chicken or sausage would both taste great!
- Fresh Produce – Garlic cloves, onion, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red pepper slices are included for a pop of color, extra nutrients, and a bold, savory flavor.
Note: Feel free to mix and match any vegetables you have on hand. Mushrooms, asparagus, and broccoli would all taste great. Just avoid vegetables with super high water contents like tomatoes or zucchini as they may cause your strata to become soggy!
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, dry mustard, dried oregano (or thyme), and smoked paprika enhance the savoriness while adding a bit of warmth.
- Cheese – Use shredded Gouda, Parmesan, Sharp Cheddar cheese, or your favorite non-dairy cheese. These are all lower in lactose than American cheese.
Pro-Tip: For the best taste and texture, buy blocks of cheese, and grate them yourself!
- Large Eggs – This forms the “custard” holding all the ingredients together. This recipe does not work with egg substitutes.
- Heavy Cream or a Non-Dairy Alternative– Feel free to swap it out with half and half or canned coconut milk instead.
- Non Dairy Milk- any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or hemp milk.
How to Make a Breakfast Strata with Ham or Bacon
- Prepare. Before you begin, preheat your oven, and grease a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
- Arrange the bread. Tear or cut the bread into smaller pieces, and arrange it in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Cook the protein. Cook the bacon or protein of choice according to the package directions. Sprinkle the meat evenly over the bread pieces.
Note: If you’re using smoked ham, there’s no need to cook it beforehand!
- Sauté the veggies. In the same pan used for the protein, add the garlic and onion. Sauté over medium heat or medium-high heat until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the spinach and a sprinkle of salt, and continue to sauté until the spinach is wilted.
Note: If there is oil left in the pan from the protein, there is no need to grease the skillet. However, if the pan is dry, add additional butter or oil.
- Layer. Arrange the veggie mixture over the bread and meat in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Make sure to cover the corners, too!
- Whisk. In a large bowl, whisk the ingredients for the custard until well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and veggies, coating the bread pieces completely.
- Chill. Cover the baking dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight.
- Bake. Bake the breakfast strata uncovered. Then, loosely cover the dish, and continue to bake until the casserole is golden, puffed, and set in the center.
- Garnish. Allow the strata to rest for a few minutes. Then, add any herbs or garnishes you like, and enjoy warm!
What Should I Serve with This Breakfast Strata Recipe?
This recipe can easily be served on its own as a complete meal. Or, if you want to enjoy it as part of a spread for a large family or maybe a holiday gathering, try pairing it with options like:
- Yogurt or Non-Dairy Yogurt
- Fresh Fruit or Summer Berry Salad
- Maple Baked Pears
- Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
Common Questions About This Gluten-Free Breakfast Strata with Ham
You’ll know your breakfast strata is done when it’s puffed up in the center, slightly golden, and a toothpick can be inserted into the center and comes out clean.
Yes, we actually recommend it! Store your unbaked strata covered in the fridge up to 24 hours before you plan on baking.
Once cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to four days.
More of Our Favorite
More Gluten-Free Egg Breakfast Recipes
Gluten-Free Breakfast Strata Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 people (8 to 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make mornings easy (and delicious) with this make-ahead gluten-free breakfast strata with ham or bacon, veggies, and cheese! Dairy-free option.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (6 cups) gluten free bread rolls or crusty gluten free bread (dried out/stale works best), diced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounce package bacon (turkey or pork) or smoked uncured ham (diced)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or 2 cloves
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 to 4 cups baby spinach, torn or chopped
- pinch kosher salt
- Optional – ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, julienne cut and removed from oil
- 1 ½ cups shredded gouda, parmesan, or non-dairy cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- ⅔ cup heavy cream, half and half, or canned coconut milk
- 1 ⅓ cups dairy free milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray an 8×10 or 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
- Tear or cut the bread into smaller pieces. Spread the bread pieces evenly on the bottom of the oiled casserole dish.
- Place the bacon in a cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet. If using turkey bacon, add ½ Tablespoon oil or butter to the pan. Cook bacon according to the package or until desired crispiness. Crumble or cut into bite-sized pieces and place on top of the bread in the casserole dish. If using smoked ham, no need to cook prior to layering.
- In the same pan, add the garlic and onion. If there is grease or oil left in the pan, no need to add additional butter or oil. Saute on medium to medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and sprinkle with salt. Continue to sauté until the spinach is wilted.
- Evenly arrange the spinach, garlic, onion, and optional sun dried tomatoes over the bread and bacon/ham. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese, covering the corners too.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, salt, pepper, dry mustard, dried oregano/thyme and paprika until combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over bread and vegetables. Cover and refrigerate the casserole dish for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Loosely cover and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is golden, puffed and set in the center.
- Rest the strata 10 minutes before serving. Top with optional fresh herbs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
Prep Tips – Allowing the strata to rest overnight in the fridge permits the egg mixture to completely soak the bread which makes for a lighter/fluffier texture once baked.
Baking Tips – Baking times will vary depending on the thickness of the French bread.
Storage Tips – The strata can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 min to 24 hours
- Cook Time: 45 to 50 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 269
- Sugar: 2.4 g
- Sodium: 765 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.7 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 13.7 g
- Cholesterol: 157.4 mg
Zuzu
Hi! Sounds delicious but maybe a silly question: if you are not prepping the strata ahead of time, do you thaw the Udi’s French baquettes first? Also, can one eliminate the cheese without affecting the recipe? One of my guests is dairy-free. Can you sub with grated almond cheese?
Lindsay Cotter
No silly questions here! This is a recipe we will be updating soon. But if you want to make it ahead of time, then yes, I would thaw the gluten free bread. And I would try daiya cheese. Their new blends with chickpea protein melt well and are delicious! Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Zuzu
Thank you, Lindsay, but if you are NOT making it ahead of time, do you cut the Udi’s French banquettes frozen (not thawed)? The recipe does not say whether to thaw it first. I would think it would be hard to cut the bread frozen or no?
Lindsay Cotter
Just emailed you! 🙂 But I would cut the bread thawed, yes.
nelu
omg!!! i presented this as a special french traditional dish to my class… and wow got an A+
Lindsay Cotter
What a fun project! I’m so glad Titus class liked it! Thanks for feedback nelu !
nelu
i mean with temperature of oven and all pls
Lindsay Cotter
The Temperature is listed in the recipe card. Can you see it? Let me know if not! 425F
It’s here https://www.cottercrunch.com/gluten-free-french-bread-ham-breakfast-strata/print/42886/
Lindsay Cotter
I’ll email you too
nelu
yap ! i got it thanks so much !!! love your recipes forever!
Lindsay Cotter
So glad! Happy to help!
nelu
hey so can u tell the details of the baking part more precisely plsss
Rebekah
Hi! I’m planning to make this Christmas morning. I couldn’t find a ham without nitrates ?. Do you think bacon would be ok ito substitute in this? Thanks!
Cotter Crunch
You can certainly use a ham with nitrates, although it’s not the greatest for you. At one time or another won’t hurt. You could also use Canadian bacon or I’m sure Bacon would work as well. You just might have to cook it a little before putting it in a strata. You could even use a turkey or chicken sausage. Let me know how it goes. Have a wonderful Christmas.!
Leigh
I think you mixed up vertically and horizontally
Cotter Crunch
oh yes, thanks! I meant to say lay length wise across the casserole dish. LOL! Will fix.
Kristy from Southern In Law
This looks so comforting and the perfect dish for sharing as it would totally impress too! 😉
Cotter Crunch
right? i kinda love all the crusty goodness! so easy!
Abby @BackatSquareZero
We always do a breakfast casserole for Christmas morning. I need to remember about this one. Love that i could prep the night before and cook it while we are opening gifts.
Lindsay Cotter
Would LOVE for this breakfast strata to be a part of your plans for Christmas morning! 🙂
Jody - Fit at 58
Just saying HI! You know I will never bake a lot of these & I do eat differntly than you BUT I love reading & salivating! 🙂
Cotter Crunch
And I love you more for it! <3
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
Casseroles always, always make me think comfort and coziness… probably because the only time I’ve ever had them was when I was at home or with family… so the two are kind of connected. This is seriously healthy comfort food at its finest <3
Cotter Crunch
i so agree! why i love this season. family, comfort, and feels slower… somewhat haha
Emily Kyle
This looks like the most amazing brunch recipe 🙂 now if only I could find someone to make it for me and deliver it to my bed 🙂
Lindsay Cotter
Haha!! That would be nice for sure!
Rebecca | NOURISHED. the blog
Gluten free healthified comfort food is the best kind of food!! I’ve never had a strata before but this sounds awesome!!
Lindsay Cotter
Yes, it sure it! Hope you try this! Would love hear if you do!
Laura
This looks like the perfect breakfast to bake up on Christmas morning and eat in your slippers by the tree while the kids open presents….love it!
Lindsay Cotter
Absolutely! Hope that’s exactly what you do! Thanks, Laura!
Emily
OH MAN. WOW. This looks like I should just lick/eat the screen. I’ve tried the French Bread from Udi’s (that we get for my dad), and it is the bomb! 🙂 I haven’t made a french bread egg casserole in a long time. <3
Lindsay Cotter
Haha!!
Yes, Udi’s French bread is so delicious and you’ll love it in this breakfast strata!
Alisa Fleming
I’m just getting into egg dishes, and need to add a strata to my list. This looks amazing!
Lindsay Cotter
You’re going to love it! Thanks, Alisa!
Maria
I can’t believe this can be made in 30 minutes! And I need to try this french bread!
Cotter Crunch
for sure! let me know if you do Maria!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I’ve never actually made a strata! You need to stop making all this deliciousness because I’m baking as fast as I can over here. Haha! Now I was brinner…
Cotter Crunch
this is why we need to live closer. Or in New Zealand. ASAP!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I love a good strata. They’re great for feeding a crowd too; so much comfort in that casserole dish. It’s awesome Udi’s has a bread that allows people with gluten issues to still enjoy strata.
Cotter Crunch
right? I love that they put so much care into helping other with celiac too!
Blair
We love breakfast for dinner, so I’m totally making this when I have some leftover holiday ham. Great idea, and beautiful photos, as always!
Lindsay Cotter
Mmm, breakfast for dinner needs to happen at least once a week…haha!! Can’t wait to hear what you think after you make this! Thanks, Blair!
Erin @ The Almond Eater
Ahhh this is everything! I don’t typically eat GF, but I’m so intrigued by the french bread! These photos are stunning Lindsay
Cotter Crunch
I think you’d love friend! Come visit. It’s warmer here. hehe
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
For me holidays are more about the breakfast food than the dinner. I know crazy but I love a good comforting holiday breakfast. I’ve never made or had a strata before. Always a first for everything!
Lindsay Cotter
There’s just something about a delicious, comforting holiday breakfast to get the festivities going, right?! Yes, always a first and I really hope you try this strata! Let me know if you do!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
This reminds me of the “breakfast before” that my MIL makes during the holidays. SO I know that I would love it! Yes, even with the whole eggs…
Cotter Crunch
what’s her recipe? I’d love to know!