Spinach Strata

Sliced or halved, these melted cheese sandwiches are a great lunch alternative.

SERVINGS
6

COOK TIME
60

INGREDIENTS
8 slices firm bread
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped organic spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened
2 cups milk
6 large eggs
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

PREPARATION
1. Grease an 8-inch by 8-inch glass baking dish. Place 4 bread slices in dish; top with 1/2 cup cheese, all spinach, then remaining cheese. Spread butter on 1 side of each remaining bread slice; place in dish, butter side up.

2. In medium bowl, with wire whisk, beat milk, eggs, basil, salt, and pepper until blended. Slowly pour egg mixture over bread slices. Prick bread with fork and press slices down to absorb egg mixture. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove cover from baking dish; bake strata until knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Originally published in Good Housekeeping

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