Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata: A Delicious Brunch Recipe

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata: Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, custardy bread, infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and coconut. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a culinary escape to the islands, right in your own kitchen! I’m thrilled to share this incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy recipe with you.

Strata, a layered casserole dish, has a rich history as a resourceful way to use stale bread. While its origins are humble, this Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata elevates the concept to a whole new level. The addition of Hawaiian sweet bread, known for its soft, slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture, transforms this classic into a decadent treat. Think of it as a bread pudding’s more sophisticated cousin, perfect for brunch, holidays, or any special occasion.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the soft, yielding bread, the creamy custard, and the bursts of tropical fruit. The subtle sweetness is balanced by a hint of savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. Get ready to experience a taste of paradise with every bite of this unforgettable Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) Hawaiian sweet bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained well
• Optional Topping: 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preparing the Custard Base

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our strata – the creamy, dreamy custard! This is what will soak into the Hawaiian sweet bread and transform it into a custardy delight.

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack all 8 eggs. Grab your whisk and give them a good beating until they’re light and frothy. You want to break up the yolks completely and incorporate some air. This will help create a lighter, more delicate texture in the final dish.
2. Add the Dairy: Pour in the 2 cups of whole milk and the 1 cup of heavy cream. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream is what gives the strata its richness and luxuriousness. Don’t skimp on the heavy cream – it makes a big difference! Gently whisk the milk and cream into the eggs until everything is well combined.
3. Sweeten the Deal: Now, add the 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. You don’t want any gritty sugar lingering at the bottom of the bowl. Taste the mixture – it should be pleasantly sweet, but not overly so. Remember, the Hawaiian sweet bread is already sweet, so we don’t want to overdo it.
4. Flavor Boost: Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The vanilla extract adds a lovely warmth, while the cinnamon and nutmeg provide a subtle spice that complements the other flavors beautifully. The salt might seem counterintuitive in a sweet dish, but it actually enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. Give everything a final whisk to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Strata

Now comes the fun part – layering all the ingredients together to create our masterpiece! This is where the magic really starts to happen.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the strata from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve later. Make sure you grease the bottom and sides of the dish thoroughly.
2. Layer the Bread: Spread half of the Hawaiian sweet bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Try to create a single layer, but don’t worry if there are a few gaps.
3. Add the Ham, Cheese, and Pineapple: Sprinkle half of the diced cooked ham, half of the shredded Swiss cheese, and half of the drained pineapple chunks over the bread cubes. Distribute the ingredients evenly so that every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining Hawaiian sweet bread cubes, followed by the remaining diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and pineapple chunks. Again, try to distribute the ingredients evenly.
5. Pour the Custard: Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread and fillings. Make sure the bread is completely saturated with the custard. You may need to gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
6. Press and Soak: Gently press down on the bread mixture with a spatula to ensure that all the bread is submerged in the custard. This is crucial for ensuring that the strata is evenly cooked and custardy throughout.
7. Refrigerate (Important!): Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the better it will be! I usually prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning.

Baking the Strata

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! It’s time to bake our strata and transform it into a golden-brown, bubbly, and utterly irresistible breakfast (or brunch, or even dinner!).

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the strata in.
2. Remove from Refrigerator: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the strata bake more evenly.
3. Prepare the Topping (Optional): If you’re using the optional topping, melt the 1/4 cup of butter in a small bowl. Stir in the 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. Mix well until everything is combined.
4. Sprinkle the Topping (Optional): Sprinkle the topping evenly over the top of the strata.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the strata is golden brown and puffed up, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
6. Cool Slightly: Let the strata cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set up a bit and make it easier to slice.

Serving and Enjoying

Congratulations! You’ve just created a delicious Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits (and bread!) of your labor.

1. Slice and Serve: Cut the strata into squares and serve warm.
2. Optional Garnishes: You can garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries would also be a lovely addition.
3. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Tips and Variations

Spice it up!

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the custard for a little kick.

Change the Cheese!

Use Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone instead of Swiss cheese.

Add Veggies!

Sauté some onions, peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the strata.

Make it Vegetarian!

Omit the ham and add more vegetables.

Fruit Variations!

Try using different fruits like peaches, blueberries, or strawberries.

Bread Alternatives!

While Hawaiian sweet bread is the star, you could experiment with challah or brioche.

Make it Ahead!

The strata can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezing Instructions!

Baked strata can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Don’t Overbake!

Overbaking will result in a dry strata. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.

Custard Consistency!

The custard should be thick enough to coat the bread but not too thick that it doesn’t soak in.

Conclusion:

This Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of the sweet, pillowy bread with the savory custard and your choice of fillings creates a breakfast or brunch experience that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and trust me, there won’t be any leftovers!

What makes this strata so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the delightful texture contrast between the soft bread and the creamy custard, and the sheer versatility of the recipe. You can customize it to your heart’s content, making it a dish that truly reflects your own tastes and preferences.

Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Beyond the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless. For a truly decadent experience, try adding a layer of caramelized pineapple between the bread and custard. The tangy sweetness of the pineapple will complement the Hawaiian sweet bread beautifully.

If you’re looking for a more savory option, consider adding cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled bacon to the mix. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese on top before baking will also add a delicious depth of flavor.

For a vegetarian version, sauté some mushrooms, spinach, and onions and incorporate them into the strata. A sprinkle of feta cheese would be a fantastic addition as well.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! Gruyere, Swiss, or even a little bit of goat cheese would all work wonderfully.

And for a truly special occasion, consider serving the strata with a side of fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar would also be a lovely finishing touch.

This Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata is also perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the strata the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it an ideal dish for holiday gatherings or weekend brunches when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a breakfast or brunch masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What were your favorite fillings? What did your family and friends think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’re making this recipe their own. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Hawaiian Sweet Bread Strata! I’m confident you’ll find it as irresistible as I do.