Questrather

Questrather is a culinary neologism describing a layered, cheese-forward dish that blends elements of a quesadilla and a strata. The term appears in online recipe communities in the early 2020s and has since been used to describe a versatile breakfast, brunch, or dinner preparation. The name combines the Spanish-inspired reference to quesadillas with strata, a baked egg and bread casserole, signaling its mix of techniques rather than a strictly traditional recipe.

A typical questrather consists of day-old bread cubes soaked in a savory egg custard, layered with shredded cheese and optional fillings such as chiles, onions, beans, or cooked meats, then baked until the custard sets and the top is golden. Variations may use tortillas layered with the custard, or substitute gluten-free bread for different dietary needs. Common cheeses include cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend, with toppings like salsa, crema, or avocado.

Preparation involves assembling layers in a greased dish: whisk eggs with milk and seasonings, toss bread cubes in the custard to saturate, spread in a casserole dish, sprinkle cheese and fillings between layers, then repeat, finishing with a final layer of cheese and any remaining custard, and bake until set and lightly browned.

Variants and serving: The dish supports vegetarian or meat-inclusive versions and can be prepared with different breads or tortillas. It is typically served warm, cut into squares or wedges, with accompaniments such as salsa, sour cream, or avocado.