A strata is a family of layered casserole dishes in American cuisine, typically made with bread, eggs, and cheese, and may also include meat or vegetables). The bread is usually layered with the filling to produce layers (strata) ). The dish requires a rest of anywhere between one hour and overnight before it is baked, and it is served warm). The earliest known strata recipe is a 1902 recipe for Cheese strata, a gratin of layers of bread, white sauce, and cheese, but no eggs). The basic must-have ingredients for a strata include eggs, milk, bread, and salt, but it can be made with just about any ingredients you desire or have on hand. Stratas are make-ahead dishes, and they can be made with just about any ingredients you desire or have on hand.