Spicy Chorizo Breakfast Strata

DifficultyBeginnerYields6 Servings
Prep Time35 minsCook Time55 minsTotal Time1 hr 30 mins
 16 oz chorizo
 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
 6 large eggs
 ½ tsp kosher salt
 2 cups milk
 ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
 8 cups day-old French bread, 1" cubes
 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

2

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add chorizo; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Stir in bell pepper and spinach; set aside.

3

Meanwhile, beat eggs, milk, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in large bowl until blended. Stir in bread and 1 cup cheese. Stir in sausage mixture.

4

Spray 3-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour sausage mixture into prepared dish. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with aluminum foil; bake in 350°F oven 40 minutes. Remove foil; continue baking 10 to 15 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with toppings, if desired.

Cook's Tip: Sausage and egg mixture can be prepared ahead of time. Pour into prepared pan and top with cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate 6 hours or as long as overnight. Increase baking time to 50 minutes before removing the aluminum foil.

Ingredients

 16 oz chorizo
 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
 6 large eggs
 ½ tsp kosher salt
 2 cups milk
 ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
 8 cups day-old French bread, 1" cubes
 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

2

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add chorizo; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Stir in bell pepper and spinach; set aside.

3

Meanwhile, beat eggs, milk, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in large bowl until blended. Stir in bread and 1 cup cheese. Stir in sausage mixture.

4

Spray 3-quart shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour sausage mixture into prepared dish. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with aluminum foil; bake in 350°F oven 40 minutes. Remove foil; continue baking 10 to 15 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with toppings, if desired.

Cook's Tip: Sausage and egg mixture can be prepared ahead of time. Pour into prepared pan and top with cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate 6 hours or as long as overnight. Increase baking time to 50 minutes before removing the aluminum foil.

Spicy Chorizo Breakfast Strata
IngredientsDirections

Recipe and photography courtesy of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.