Baking two strata at once
I want to offer a veggie and a meat strata at a brunch for a large group. They both require the same oven temperature. Can I bake them at the same time, and if so, what adjustments do I need to make? Thanks!
Best Answer
When you put one item in the oven, the size affects the cooking time, because the thicker it is, the longer it takes for the heat to reach the middle. But if you put two things in, that's not a concern, unless they're so close together that they're basically "acting like" one big thing.
According to this site, "The oven has a thermostat that keeps its temperature fairly constant, no matter what is placed in it (within reason). As long as the objects in the oven don't absorb so much heat that the oven can't keep up (or are so big as to prevent even circulation), it is unlikely that the number of things placed in the oven will affect the cooking time. It will take more heat to cook more mass that is placed in the oven, so the flame (or electric heating element) will be on more."
Don't forget that cooking times in recipes are always estimates, as some ovens hold temperature more tightly than than others; most aren't that accurate, and run hotter or colder than set; different sized ovens have different airflow; and food cooks differently at different altitudes. Always check the food when it's "supposed" to be done (or slightly before) and adjust accordingly!
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Can you bake 2 egg bakes at the same time?
Can you cook 2 or more dishes in the oven at once? Yes. Most people fret when it comes to cooking two dishes at once, but it's your oven's job to keep the internal temperature set to what you selected. It may have to work a little harder when two or more cold dishes are inserted but trust that it will do its job.Why does strata have to sit overnight?
Many stratas call for assembling the strata and allowing it to sit overnight, refrigerated, so the bread soaks up the egg mixture. (The overnight soak is what makes this an ideal make-ahead dish.) When the strata is baked the soaked bread makes it puff up nicely, almost souffle-like.How do you know when strata is done?
Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake until the strata is puffed, golden brown at the edges and set in the center, about 15 minutes more. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.Can you freeze strata before baking?
Uncooked egg strata should not be frozen.How to Turn Any Ingredients Into Strata | Off-Script With Sohla
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