Effortless Instant Pot Egg Strata with Ham and Brie: Your Go-To Make-Ahead Breakfast & Brunch Casserole

Searching for a hassle-free, yet incredibly delicious meal that can be prepared in advance? Look no further than this Instant Pot Egg Strata. This versatile casserole combines the comforting flavors of eggs, hearty whole grain bread, fresh spinach, savory ham, and creamy brie cheese into one simple dish. With just 8 core ingredients and a mere 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, it’s a game-changer for busy mornings, relaxed brunches, or even a quick and satisfying dinner. It’s also an ingenious way to transform holiday leftovers into a gourmet experience, making it a staple for any time of year.

This post is proudly sponsored by Egg Farmers of Canada as part of their impactful #RecipesThatGive campaign. As always, all opinions and culinary explorations shared here are entirely my own. We extend our sincere gratitude for supporting the brands that make Crumb Top Baking possible, allowing us to bring you more delightful and time-saving recipes.

Recipes That Give (Time) Campaign: Giving Back During the Holidays

As the holiday season draws near, many of us find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of activities. It’s a time often marked by joy, but also by increased stress and demands on our precious time. This is precisely why I am thrilled to lend my support to the Egg Farmers of Canada’s incredible #RecipesThatGive campaign, a truly meaningful initiative during this busy period.

This campaign is a heartwarming collaboration between Egg Farmers of Canada and Food Banks Canada. Their shared mission is to inspire Canadians to embrace the spirit of giving back during the bustling holiday season. One of the innovative ways they achieve this is by partnering with Canadian food bloggers like myself. We’re encouraged to share quick, easy-to-prepare recipes that free up valuable time. This extra time can then be dedicated to what truly matters: cherishing moments with loved ones, engaging in community service, or simply enjoying a less hurried pace during the holidays. It’s a testament to the idea that giving can take many forms, and saving someone time can be just as impactful as a material donation.

The Impactful Partnership: Egg Farmers of Canada and Food Banks Canada

The statistics are a stark reminder of the ongoing need for support in our communities. Every single month, Canadian food banks record over one million visits, and disturbingly, one in three individuals seeking assistance are children and youth. Food Banks Canada is on the front lines, tirelessly working to alleviate hunger and provide essential nourishment to individuals and families grappling with food insecurity across the nation.

Canadian egg farmers have been unwavering allies of Food Banks Canada for an impressive span of over two decades, making their partnership a cornerstone of community support. Their commitment runs deep, with Canadian egg farmers annually donating more than 1.4 million eggs to local food banks. This significant contribution is driven by a profound belief in the power of giving back, a value deeply ingrained in the traditions of family farming that define Canada’s agricultural landscape. Their dedication to community engagement is not just a corporate policy; it’s a personal conviction, reflecting generations of caring for their communities.

You, too, can play a vital role in this cycle of giving through the #RecipesThatGive campaign. If you have a simple, delicious, and time-saving recipe that helps people reclaim precious moments, consider sharing it on your social media platforms. Remember to use the hashtag #RecipesThatGive. By contributing a recipe that offers the gift of time, you enable others to spend more quality time with their families, engage in charitable acts, or simply reduce their holiday stress. It’s a truly wonderful and meaningful way to make a difference this holiday season.

So, how will you choose to utilize your time to give back or simplify life this holiday season? Speaking of valuable, time-saving contributions, this Instant Pot Egg Strata with ham and brie is an absolute staple in our home, a tried-and-true recipe we rely on repeatedly. I am genuinely thrilled to share it with you today, hoping it brings both ease and joy to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Instant Pot Egg Bake (and Why It’s a Must-Try!)

• Effortless Preparation and Speedy Assembly: This recipe is a dream for efficiency. You only need a mere 8 simple ingredients, most of which you might already have on hand, and a lightning-fast 10 minutes of active prep time. This means less stress in the kitchen and more time enjoying your day.
• The Ultimate Make-Ahead Marvel: One of the biggest advantages of this Instant Pot Egg Strata is its make-ahead capability. You can assemble it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture. Then, simply pop it into the Instant Pot when you’re ready to cook and serve, making busy mornings or entertaining a breeze.
• Brilliant for Repurposing Holiday Leftovers: Are you wondering what to do with that leftover ham from Christmas dinner or the remnants of a luxurious brie from your charcuterie board? This strata offers a delicious and creative solution, transforming holiday extras into a fresh, new meal that feels anything but leftover. It’s an excellent way to minimize food waste and extend the festive flavors.
• Perfectly Adaptable for Any Meal of the Day: This Instant Pot Egg Strata isn’t confined to breakfast or brunch. Its rich, savory profile makes it incredibly versatile. For breakfast, serve it with a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. For lunch, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette. And for dinner, it stands proudly alongside some golden home fries, roasted vegetables, or a simple soup. It’s a dish that truly fits any occasion and any craving.

What Exactly is an Egg Strata? Unpacking This Delicious Casserole

An egg strata is essentially a layered egg casserole that features eggs, cheese, and most notably, bread as its primary components. The term “strata” itself implies layers, and this dish lives up to its name, offering a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. While it shares some similarities with a quiche – in that you can load it up with a variety of vegetables, meats, and cheeses – there are key distinctions.

The main difference lies in the absence of a pie crust, which is characteristic of a quiche. Instead, the bread forms the foundation and structure of a strata, often in significantly larger quantities than other ingredients. This bread isn’t just a filler; it’s a critical element that soaks up the savory egg custard mixture, becoming wonderfully soft and custardy on the inside while puffing up slightly during the cooking process. When baked or cooked under pressure and then broiled, the top layer often achieves a satisfying golden-brown crispness, adding another layer of texture. Unlike a frittata, which is crustless and contains no bread, a strata fully embraces the bread, making it a heartier and often more fulfilling dish. Its bread-based nature allows it to absorb flavors deeply, resulting in a moist, rich, and incredibly satisfying dish that can be endlessly customized with your favorite fillings.

Key Ingredients to Create Your Instant Pot Egg Strata:

• Eggs (the foundation of our strata!)
• Bread (preferably whole grain and stale for best texture)
• Ham (adds a wonderful savory depth, great for leftovers)
• Spinach (for a touch of freshness and color)
• Brie (contributes a luxurious, creamy, and salty note)
• Basil (an aromatic herb to enhance the flavors)
• Salt and pepper (essential seasonings to bring it all together)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Master an Egg Strata in Your Instant Pot

Making a delicious egg strata in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how to do it for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Dish: Begin by lightly greasing a 7-inch round glass dish or any oven-safe dish of a similar size that comfortably fits inside your 6-quart Instant Pot. Greasing ensures your strata won’t stick and will be easy to remove once cooked.
2. Combine Solid Ingredients: Tear or chop your stale whole grain bread into approximately 1-inch pieces; precision isn’t necessary here, just roughly uniform chunks. Add the bread to a large mixing bowl. Then, finely chop your ham and fresh spinach, and tear or slice the brie cheese. Add these to the bowl with the bread and gently toss everything together to ensure an even distribution.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the large eggs until they are well-beaten and slightly frothy. Incorporate the dried basil, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, whisking again to ensure the seasonings are fully integrated.
4. Assemble and Soak: Transfer the bread, ham, spinach, and brie mixture into your prepared greased glass dish. Evenly pour the whisked egg mixture over the bread, making sure to saturate as many pieces as possible. Don’t worry if some bread isn’t completely submerged; it will still absorb moisture during the soaking period. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least a few hours. This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a custardy, moist texture rather than a dry or crumbly one.
5. Set Up the Instant Pot for Cooking: When you’re ready to cook, pour 1 ½ cups of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Place your metal trivet (or a steamer rack/basket) inside the pot. Carefully place the covered strata dish on top of the trivet/rack. To prevent condensation from dripping onto your strata and making it soggy, loosely lay a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the glass dish (even if already covered with plastic wrap, the foil provides an extra layer of protection against moisture).
6. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the Instant Pot lid in place and ensure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to “High Pressure” for 20 minutes. Allow approximately 8-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to build pressure before the cooking timer begins.
7. Natural Release and Quick Release: Once the 20-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. After this period, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.” Wait until the float valve drops before unlocking the lid.
8. Broil for a Golden Finish: Unlock and remove the Instant Pot lid. Carefully lift off the foil (and plastic wrap, if used) from the strata. Using oven mitts, gently remove the hot strata dish from the Instant Pot. For that irresistible golden-brown and crispy top, transfer the strata to your oven and broil for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
9. Serve and Store: Let the strata rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Any leftover cooked strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave. Done!

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Egg Strata

• Do you really need to make an egg strata in advance? While not strictly mandatory, I highly recommend making this egg strata in advance. Allowing the bread several hours, or ideally overnight, to soak in the egg mixture is crucial for achieving the perfect custardy, moist texture throughout. If you’re pressed for time, you can prepare and cook it immediately, but be aware that the texture may be slightly different – potentially less uniform and with more cooked egg settling at the bottom. The pre-soak truly makes a difference!
• How do you store an egg strata? For an uncooked, prepped strata, keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator. It’s best cooked within 24 hours of assembly. Once cooked, any leftover strata should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for 2-3 days and reheats wonderfully in the microwave or a warm oven.
• What type of bread is best for an egg strata? I personally prefer using whole grain bread for added texture and nutrition, but you can certainly use your favorite type. Crusty bread, sourdough, brioche, or challah all work beautifully. The key is to use stale bread, ideally a day or two old. Fresh, soft bread can result in a mushy strata because it doesn’t hold its shape or absorb the liquid as effectively. If your bread isn’t stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out slightly.
• How long does an egg strata cook in the Instant Pot? The total time to cook this egg strata in the Instant Pot is approximately 35-40 minutes. This includes about 8-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to build up to high pressure, 20 minutes of active cooking time at high pressure, and then 5-6 minutes for a natural pressure release (followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure).
• Why do you place foil on top of the strata before cooking in the Instant Pot? Placing a piece of foil loosely over the strata dish inside the Instant Pot is a simple but effective trick. It acts as a barrier, preventing any condensation that forms on the inside of the Instant Pot lid from dripping down onto your strata. This ensures your strata maintains a pleasant texture and doesn’t become soggy on top.
• Is broiling the strata in the oven truly necessary? While technically optional, I highly, highly recommend broiling the strata for a few minutes after Instant Pot cooking. This quick step is what gives the top of your strata that beautiful golden-brown color and creates a wonderfully crispy, caramelized crust that adds an irresistible textural contrast to the soft interior. It elevates the dish significantly!
• Can I add other vegetables to this strata? Absolutely! This strata recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, asparagus, or even diced cooked potatoes. Just make sure any added vegetables are pre-cooked and drained to avoid excess moisture.
• What if I want a vegetarian Instant Pot Egg Strata? Easily done! Simply omit the ham entirely. The brie and spinach already provide plenty of flavor, and you can add extra vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for more depth.
• Can I freeze Instant Pot Egg Strata? Yes, you can! Once cooked and completely cooled, slice the strata into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Expert Tips and Delicious Substitutions for Your Instant Pot Egg Casserole Recipe:

• Ham Alternatives: If ham isn’t your preference or you simply don’t have it, cooked leftover turkey from a holiday meal is an excellent substitute. Its mild flavor pairs beautifully with the rich brie cheese and offers a lighter option. Cooked crumbled sausage or crispy bacon bits would also add a fantastic savory kick.
• Cheese Variations: While brie offers a distinct creamy luxury, this strata is very forgiving when it comes to cheese. Feel free to swap it out for other cheeses that melt well, such as shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, gruyere, or a blend of your favorites. Each will lend a slightly different flavor profile but still deliver that irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Brie Rind Debate: Whether to remove the rind from the brie is a personal choice. The rind is completely edible and adds a subtle earthy flavor. I often leave it on to save time, especially when focusing on convenience. However, if you prefer a milder taste or a smoother texture, you can certainly trim it off.
• Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: This recipe calls for dried basil, which is convenient and potent. If you opt to use fresh basil, remember that fresh herbs are generally less concentrated in flavor than their dried counterparts. As a general rule, triple the amount of fresh basil compared to dried to achieve a similar aromatic impact. For example, use 3 teaspoons of fresh basil instead of 1 teaspoon dried.
• Instant Pot Size and Dish Fit: This recipe was developed using a 6-quart Instant Pot. The glass casserole dish I used was 7 inches in diameter and 3 ¼ inches high. This specific size fits perfectly within the 6-quart Instant Pot, ensuring even cooking. If you have a different Instant Pot size, make sure your dish provides enough clearance around the edges and at the top for proper pressure circulation and lid closure.
• Add a Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture, or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Maximize Flavor: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! The overnight soak allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, leading to a much more flavorful and custardy end product.

Pin this Instant Pot Egg Strata with Ham and Brie for your next memorable brunch or quick weeknight meal!

Other Delightful Egg Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Tomato, Arugula and Mozzarella Quiche: This vibrant quiche boasts a crispy whole wheat crust, a fluffy egg filling, juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. It’s so flavorful, it tastes more like a sophisticated pizza than a traditional quiche, making it an ideal choice for a delightful breakfast-for-dinner.
• Sweet Potato Turkey Egg Bake: A wonderful grain-free option, this hearty egg bake features lean ground turkey, nutritious spinach, earthy mushrooms, tender sweet potato, and fluffy eggs. Flavored with a hint of apple sauce, a touch of maple syrup, and aromatic sage, it creates a unique sweet and savory profile that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, offering a comforting and wholesome meal.
• Mediterranean Quiche with Almond Crust: Indulge in this light and savory quiche, featuring a delicate almond crust that’s both gluten-free and packed with flavor. The filling is a delightful medley of fluffy eggs, fresh spinach, briny olives, intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes, and generous chunks of tangy feta cheese. It’s another fantastic option to enjoy the versatility of eggs any time of day, transporting your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.

If you take the plunge and make this incredible Instant Pot Egg Strata, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below! Your culinary experiences inspire us all.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don’t forget to sign up for the Crumb Top Baking Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!

Print