Mini Southwest Stratas
Mini Southwest Stratas are a comforting blend of bold flavors and creamy textures inspired by the warmth of the Southwest. These small, individual-sized dishes are great for brunch, a hearty snack or a festive addition to a holiday spread, delivering flavor in every bite.
Strata is a layered casserole typically made with bread, eggs and cheese, often mixed with vegetables, meats or other ingredients. The bread absorbs the egg mixture, creating a soft, custardy interior and a crispy, golden top. Stratas are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in various flavors and combinations, making them a popular choice for breakfast or brunch.
Bell peppers and red onions add sweetness and a slight crunch, while sweet corn brings juiciness. Hearty black beans provide an earthy richness, and cumin and paprika add a warm, smoky flavor that ties everything together. The croissant cubes form the base, soaking up the egg mixture to create a soft, custardy interior with a crisp, golden top. Cheddar cheese melts into the mix for a creamy finish.
These Mini Southwest Stratas are versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Perfect for a casual gathering, a quick breakfast or adding a bit of Southwest flair to your table, this dish is sure to please for any occasion.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12 stratas
Ingredients:
- Carlini Canola Cooking Spray
- 1 tablespoon Carlini Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup Season’s Choice Super Sweet Corn, thawed
- 1 cup Dakota’s Pride Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon Stonemill Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Stonemill Ground Paprika
- 2 ½ teaspoons Stonemill Iodized Salt, divided
- 2 ½ teaspoons Stonemill Ground Black Pepper, divided
- 6 Goldhen Large Eggs
- 1 ½ cups Friendly Farms Half & Half
- 10 ounces L’oven Fresh Mini Butter Croissants, cut into ¼-inch cubes
- 1 cup Happy Farms Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Tuscan Garden Real Bacon Bits (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
- In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the bell pepper, onion and corn for 5 minutes. Add the black beans, cumin, paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons salt and 1 ½ teaspoons pepper. Stir until well combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, remaining salt and remaining pepper.
- Add the croissants, vegetable mix, cheese and bacon bits. Divide the mixture among the muffin cups. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool.
TIP: Freeze the muffins for future breakfasts. Thaw overnight, then pop in the microwave to reheat.
Recipe Courtesy of Chef Michelle, ALDI Test Kitchen