There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon, butter, and vanilla wafting through the kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with this Sweet Bread Strata—a breakfast (or brunch) treasure that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Think of it as a cross between French toast and bread pudding, with just the right balance of crisp edges and custardy softness.
The origins of strata go back to old-school casseroles layered with leftovers and bread, but this sweet version is a delightful twist that transforms pantry staples into something spectacular. It’s the kind of dish that makes lazy weekends feel luxurious, and trust me—you’re going to want to savor every last bite.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, surprising someone with breakfast in bed, or just treating yourself to a sweet start, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Bread Strata
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family breakfast, hosting a holiday brunch, or just indulging in something warm and comforting for yourself, this dish is flexible and full of charm.
Is this Sweet Bread Strata for you? Let’s see. Sweet Bread Stratas are…
- Custardy and comforting – with rich, creamy layers that soak up sweet vanilla goodness.
- Golden and crisp on top – giving you the perfect texture contrast in every bite.
- Perfect for prepping ahead – assemble the night before and bake in the morning!
- Easy to customize – swap in berries, nuts, or chocolate for a personalized twist.
- Holiday-brunch worthy – elegant enough for a special occasion, easy enough for any morning.
Quick Tip: Use slightly stale bread—it holds its shape better and soaks up the custard like a dream.
Ingredients in Sweet Bread Strata
Here’s the secret to this decadent strata: it uses simple ingredients that, when combined, become something special. Let’s break it down:
Sweet Bread: Choose something rich and soft like brioche or challah. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Eggs: The base of your custard—binding everything together and giving it that creamy texture.
Milk & Cream: A combo of both keeps the texture rich but not too heavy. You can also use half and half.
Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to each layer.
Vanilla Extract: For warmth and that irresistible bakery aroma.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add cozy, fragrant depth to the dish.
Butter: A little melted butter makes the top golden and irresistible.
Optional Mix-Ins: Berries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts—add your favorites for a fun twist.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the strata bakes evenly and gets beautifully golden.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and spices. This custard mixture is the heart of your strata—it’s what turns the bread into something magical.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step keeps things mess-free and makes cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish: Layer your bread cubes into the dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, gently pressing the bread to help it soak. Sprinkle with your optional mix-ins if using.
Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden and puffy. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Finishing Touches: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set and makes for cleaner slices.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, maybe with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Pure joy.
How to Make Sweet Bread Strata?
Fresh Fruit Toppings: Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries on top for a fruity finish.
Whipped Cream or Yogurt: For added creaminess and contrast.
Warm Maple Syrup: Because sweet bread and syrup are always a winning combo.
Candied Nuts: Sprinkle with pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
As a Dessert: Dress it up with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
How to serve Sweet Bread Strata?
Presentation matters! Serve in a warm, deep dish or ceramic casserole with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon. You can garnish with fresh mint or sliced fruit for a brunch-worthy look.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for stress-free entertaining.
Spice It Up: Add cardamom or orange zest for a new flavor layer.
Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based milk and egg substitutes to make it vegan-friendly.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Double the Batch: Hosting a crowd? This recipe scales beautifully—just use a larger pan and adjust baking time.
Tips & Variations / Quick Tips:
- Don’t skip the soak time if prepping fresh—give it at least 30 minutes to absorb all that custard.
- Use cinnamon swirl bread for an extra layer of flavor without extra effort.
- Swap sugar for maple syrup in the custard for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
FAQ
Q1: Can I substitute brioche with another bread?
A1: Absolutely! Challah, croissants, or even white sandwich bread work great—just aim for a soft, absorbent texture.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! It’s ideal for overnight prep. Just cover and chill, then bake in the morning.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Pop it in the oven at 300°F for 15–20 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave individual portions.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen! I hope this Sweet Bread Strata becomes a staple in your breakfast (or dessert) lineup. It’s cozy, crave-worthy, and so easy to make.
Got your apron ready? Let’s make mornings a little sweeter—one strata at a time.
Sweet Bread Strata
Ingredients
- 6 Hawaiian bread rolls such as King’s®
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese divided
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese divided
- 3 slices cooked bacon diced, divided
- 4 green onions diced, divided
- 3 eggs
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- ½ cup skim milk
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- Tear Hawaiian rolls into bite-sized pieces and layer half in the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese, Cheddar, diced bacon, and green onions over the bread.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, cheeses, bacon, and onions.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, skim milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and cheese.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for make-ahead prep).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.
- Add chopped spinach or diced bell peppers for a veggie-packed variation.
- Best served warm but also great as leftovers.
- Swap in ham or turkey for the bacon if preferred.
