Blueberry Cream Cheese Strata

Delicious, and not overly sweet, breakfast idea. It only has one specialty ingredient which is worth having on hand - Fiori di Sicilia flavoring.

Easy dish for holiday mornings

Blueberry Cream Cheese Strata

1/2 loaf challah, cut into cubes (this is the no-fail challah recipe I use)

2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen is fine)

1 package cream cheese, cut into cubes

5 eggs

1 3/4 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar (see note)

1/3 tsp salt

1/4 - 1/2 tsp Fiori di Sicilia flavoring or vanilla (see note)

Pinch cinnamon

Fresh grated nutmeg to taste

Preparation

1. Set oven to 375F. Grease or spray a 9x13 Pyrex (or other) dish/pan.

2. Combine challah cubes, blueberries, and cream cheese cubes in a 9x13 dish/pan, layering all of them together evenly.

3. Mix rest of ingredients in a bowl until well combined and sugar is dissolved, pour evenly over challah mixture. Refrigerate overnight.

4. Optional: Top with a little bit of sugar or sparkling sugar before putting in the oven.

5. Bake for 40-50 minutes. It's done when the internal temperature reaches 190F.

Notes

Fiori di Sicilia flavoring is a mix of citrus flavors and vanilla and can be used in place of vanilla. It gives a bright, lemon/orange-y, floral flavor to the mix which is divine and totally elevates this dish.

For the sugar and flavoring I give a range, use the lower end if you want it to be not as sweet. This works if you have someone who isn't a fan of sweet breakfasts, but will please most folks. I like mine on the sweeter end.

I mix the liquid ingredients together and taste them to make sure it is to my liking. Yes, raw eggs, but I just wash out my mouth with water and don't swallow. This is what helped me figure out the ratios of sugar and flavoring.

You can add a small bit of sugar to the top, or use sparkling sugar which doesn't melt and makes a nice crispy crunch.