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Gluten-Free Breakfast Strata with Cheese, Spinach, and Bell Peppers

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, yet it can sometimes feel repetitive. Enter the breakfast strata: a delicious, versatile dish that can elevate your morning routine to new heights. This gluten-free breakfast strata with cheese, spinach, and bell peppers is a delightful option that offers a perfect balance of flavours and textures. It’s hearty, nutritious, and ideal for any occasion—from a leisurely weekend brunch to a quick weekday breakfast.

What is a Strata?

Originally, a strata is an Italian dish that layers bread with a custard mixture. Traditionally, it may not always be gluten-free, but adapting it to meet dietary needs is simple. The key is to use gluten-free bread, which can be found in many supermarkets or can be easily made at home. This dish can be customised with a variety of ingredients, making it a wonderful way to use up leftover vegetables and cheeses.

Ingredients

To make this delightful gluten-free breakfast strata, you will need the following ingredients:

• 200g gluten-free bread (cubed)
• 150g fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
• 1 large red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 large yellow bell pepper (diced)
• 200g grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 4 large eggs
• 300ml milk (dairy or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley) for garnish

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches) with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced bell peppers for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Next, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside to cool.

3. Assemble the Strata: In the greased baking dish, spread the cubed gluten-free bread evenly across the bottom. Layer the sautéed vegetables over the bread, followed by sprinkling half of the grated cheese on top.

4. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Season with a little salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, ensuring it saturates all the ingredients. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard mixture thoroughly.

5. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the strata and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the strata is puffed up and golden brown on top. A knife inserted in the centre should come out clean.

6. Serve and Garnish: Once out of the oven, allow the strata to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a touch of brightness and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Strata

Not only is this gluten-free breakfast strata immensely tasty, but it’s also incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out the spinach and bell peppers for other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes, depending on what you have to hand. Cheese lovers can experiment with different varieties, and adding protein-rich ingredients like cooked bacon or sausage is also a great option.

Conclusion

This gluten-free breakfast strata is a brilliant way to start the day with a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Its beautiful layers offer a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, making breakfast feel special, even on a busy morning. Whether enjoyed at home or prepared for a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. So next time you’re looking for a breakfast that breaks the monotony, give this strata a try—you won’t be disappointed!