Turkey and Swiss Strata

Turkey and Swiss Strata Recipe from England and Switzerland

Region / culture: England, Switzerland | Servings: 6

Introduction

Turkey and Swiss Strata is a delicious and hearty casserole dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This dish is made with layers of English muffins, turkey meat, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and a savory egg mixture. It is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prep.

History

The exact origins of Turkey and Swiss Strata are unclear, but strata dishes have been popular in American cuisine for many years. Strata is a layered casserole dish that typically includes bread, eggs, cheese, and various other ingredients. This particular recipe adds a twist by using turkey meat and Swiss cheese, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

6 english muffins, split in half
3 tbsp soft butter
2 cans turkey meat
0.75 cup shredded swiss cheese
1 can mushrooms
0.5 cup onion
1 tbsp butter
0.5 tsp worcestershire sauce
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 tbsp dijon-style mustard
1 tbsp fresh parsley

How to prepare

Method for lasagna-casserole

Spread English muffin halves with 3 tbsp of butter.
Line a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) rectangular baking dish with half of the buttered muffins.
In a medium bowl, combine turkey meat and cheeses.
Layer the turkey mixture over the muffins in the dish.
Sprinkle with mushrooms.
Top with the remaining buttered muffins.
In a large skillet, cook the onion in 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and bring it to a boil; then remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard, parsley, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper.
Stir in the onion mixture.
Carefully pour the mixture over the layers in the baking dish.
Press the muffins lightly with the back of a large spoon to moisten the top muffin.
Cover and chill overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake the dish, uncovered, for 50 minutes.
Check the center with a fork to see if it comes out clean. If clean, then it's cooked.
Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

You can substitute the turkey meat with cooked chicken or ham.
Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta.
Add in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or paprika.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to butter the English muffins before layering them in the baking dish. This will help prevent them from drying out during baking.

- You can use leftover turkey meat or deli-sliced turkey for this recipe. Just be sure to shred or chop the turkey into bite-sized pieces.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to the egg mixture.

- Make sure to let the strata chill overnight before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey and Swiss Strata can be served on its own as a main dish, or paired with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal. It is also delicious with a side of roasted vegetables or a cup of soup.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Turkey and Swiss Strata include layering the ingredients in the baking dish, preparing the egg mixture, and chilling the dish overnight before baking. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have English muffins, you can use sliced bread or croissants instead. You can also use any type of cheese or meat that you prefer. Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Turkey and Swiss Strata can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining, as you can simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

To make Turkey and Swiss Strata look more appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for a golden and bubbly finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Turkey and Swiss Strata pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a cup of coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Turkey and Swiss Strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Turkey and Swiss Strata contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for a meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Turkey and Swiss Strata contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in this dish come from the English muffins, milk, and vegetables.

Fats

Each serving of Turkey and Swiss Strata contains approximately 18 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the butter, cheese, and turkey meat.

Proteins

Each serving of Turkey and Swiss Strata contains approximately 22 grams of protein. The protein in this dish comes from the turkey meat, cheese, and eggs.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey and Swiss Strata is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. These nutrients are important for bone health, energy production, and red blood cell formation.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and wheat (English muffins), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Turkey and Swiss Strata is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a meal.

Summary

Turkey and Swiss Strata is a delicious and satisfying casserole dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With layers of English muffins, turkey meat, Swiss cheese, and a savory egg mixture, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try making this recipe for your next brunch or dinner gathering, and enjoy the delicious flavors and comforting textures of this classic dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a cold winter day and I was browsing through an old cookbook that my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, had given me. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Turkey and Swiss Strata caught my eye. The combination of turkey, Swiss cheese, and bread soaked in a savory custard sounded absolutely delicious.

I immediately knew that I had to try making it. I had never made a strata before, but I was confident in my cooking abilities. I had been cooking for my family for years and had picked up many recipes along the way. From my own mother, to my aunts, to friends and neighbors, I had learned so much about the art of cooking.

I decided to make the Turkey and Swiss Strata for a brunch gathering that I was hosting the following weekend. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and got to work in the kitchen. As I sliced the turkey and shredded the Swiss cheese, I thought about all the different recipes I had collected over the years.

One of my favorite recipes was my mother's meatloaf. She would always add a special blend of herbs and spices that made it truly unforgettable. I remember watching her carefully mix the ingredients together, her hands moving with precision and care. I learned so much from her, not just about cooking, but about the importance of taking your time and putting love into your food.

As I continued to prepare the Turkey and Swiss Strata, I thought about all the other recipes that I had learned from the important people in my life. My aunt had taught me how to make the perfect pie crust, flaky and buttery. My best friend had shown me the secret to making a rich and creamy risotto. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of a shared moment in the kitchen.

As the Turkey and Swiss Strata baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was grateful for all the knowledge that had been passed down to me, for all the recipes that had become a part of my culinary repertoire.

When the strata was finally done, I took it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. I then sliced it into squares and plated it for my guests. As they took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight. The flavors of the turkey, Swiss cheese, and custard blended together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

That day, as I sat around the table with my friends, enjoying the Turkey and Swiss Strata that I had made, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. I was grateful for the recipes that had been shared with me, for the knowledge that had been passed down through generations. Cooking had always been more than just a task for me – it was a way to connect with the people I loved, to create something special and meaningful.

And as I watched my guests savoring each bite of the strata, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own collection. It represented not just a delicious dish, but a story of tradition, of love, and of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those you care about.