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yom kippur break fast strata - featured image

Yom Kippur Break Fast Strata: The Cream Cheese Trick

  • Author: Rhea
  • Total Time: 75 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A comforting, make-ahead savory bread pudding designed to replenish energy after a fast. By swapping half the heavy cream for full-fat cream cheese, this strata achieves a dense, custardy texture that is rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 loaf (approx. 400g) day-old challah or brioche, torn into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish generously.
  2. Arrange the torn bread in a single, slightly overlapping layer at the bottom of the dish.
  3. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 10-12 minutes until deeply caramelized and soft. Let cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is homogenous and pale yellow with no streaks of cheese.
  5. Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Sprinkle the cooled caramelized onions and half of the shredded cheddar on top.
  6. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is submerged in the liquid.
  7. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove strata from fridge and let sit on the counter for 20 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top. Optionally brush edges with heavy cream.
  10. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is set (knife comes out clean).
  11. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

Use day-old or stale bread to prevent sogginess. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not skip the resting time after baking, as the strata needs to set for clean slicing. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 14
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: Yom Kippur break fast, strata recipe, cream cheese strata, make ahead breakfast, challah casserole, comfort food, post-fast meal

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Find it online: https://dailydinnerecipes.com/yom-kippur-break-fast-strata-the-cream-cheese-trick/