Spanakopita Strata

Name: Spanakopita Strata
Ingredients: 13 cup olive oil; 2 cups finely minced shallots (I used my mini-processor to mince); 3 garlic cloves, minced (popped these into the mini-processor along with the shallots); 1 (2 lb) package frozen spinach, thawed completely; 13 cup minced fresh dill (optional but highly recommended); 6 cups cubed bread, crusts removed and cut into 1 inch cubes (I used sourdough but any dense, good-quality bread can be used); 4 ounces coarsely-grated gouda cheese; 4 ounces coarsely-grated asiago cheese; 2 cups milk; 6 large eggs; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 13 teaspoon salt; 14 teaspoon cayenne pepper (ground, not flakes); 14 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

14 ingredients

14 steps

Ingredients

13 cup olive oil
2 cups finely minced shallots (I used my mini-processor to mince)
3 garlic cloves, minced (popped these into the mini-processor along with the shallots)
1 (2 lb) package frozen spinach, thawed completely
13 cup minced fresh dill (optional but highly recommended)
6 cups cubed bread, crusts removed and cut into 1 inch cubes (I used sourdough but any dense, good-quality bread can be used)
4 ounces coarsely-grated gouda cheese
4 ounces coarsely-grated asiago cheese
2 cups milk
6 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 teaspoon salt
14 teaspoon cayenne pepper (ground, not flakes)
14 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

1

Pour olive oil into medium saucepan and saute the shallots and garlic over medium heat until just starting to caramelise (some of the shallots start turning golden), about 12-14 minutes.
2

Empty into a very large bowl.
3

Take fistfuls of the completely thawed spinach and squeeze tightly in your hands to eliminate as much water as possible.
4

Chop spinach up fine.
5

Put in bowl with shallot mixture and dill (if using) and add bread and cheeses.
6

Stir to combine well.
7

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, mustard, salt, cayenne pepper and nutmeg; pour over bread mixture and turn well to coat.
8

Cover and let stand for 30 minutes or longer.
9

Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
10

Generously grease a 13 X 9 inch glass baking dish with olive oil.
11

Pour strata mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until puffed and cooked through, about 45-55 minutes.
12

Note: This recipe can be made up to a full day ahead.
13

Just cover and refrigerate.
14

Allow to sit out of refrigerator for 30 minutes before proceeding.