The Chew: Carla Hall Make-Ahead Mexican Strata Recipe

The Chew: Pre-Assembled Brunch Casserole

Carla Hall shared a delicious idea that would work as a breakfast or brunch idea on The Chew. This Make-Ahead Mexican Strata will help you get a delicious meal ready for the morning, without having to do all the prep on that same day.

Anytime you can get some savory goodness onto my plate in the morning, I am a fan of your efforts. Do you like breakfast better when it is savory or sweet? Tell me in the comments.

The Chew: Carla Hall Make-Ahead Mexican Strata Recipe Ingredients

• 1 loaf Cornbread (see below)
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 tsp chopped Oregano
• 1 seeded, thin sliced Jalapeno
• 2 cups grated Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped Cilantro
• 12 Eggs
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1 cup halved Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 drained, rinsed 15-oz can Black Beans
• 1 cup crumbled Cotija Cheese
• Butter
• Salt & Pepper

Flourless Cornbread Ingredients

• 2 cups Yellow Cornmeal
• 4 tsp Baking Powder
• 3 Eggs
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 cup canned Evaporated Milk
• 1 cup canned Cream Style Corn
• 1 tsp Salt

Carla Hall: The Chew Make-Ahead Mexican Strata Recipe Directions

1. Preheat the oven at 400 F.
2. Use butter to prepare a 9” x 13” baking dish.
3. Break the cornbread into cubes and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for around 11 minutes.
4. On a second baking sheet, toast crumbs for around nine minutes. Let cornbread cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, whisk eggs with cumin, oregano, and milk; salt and pepper.
6. Next, add black beans, jalapenos, cheese, and toasted cornbread cubes, stirring well.
7. Pour this mixture into the baking dish, making sure to press the cornbread into the egg batter.
8. Cover with foil and bake about half an hour, or until the eggs are set. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly out of the oven. Garnish with cornbread crumbs, cilantro, and cotija cheese.

Flourless Cornbread Directions

1. Preheat the oven at 425 F and put a cast iron skillet inside.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. In a smaller bowl, mix the wet ingredients.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
4. Add 2 tbsp oil to the hot skillet. Pour batter into the skillet.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes.