If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next brunch or holiday breakfast, look no further than this Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe. This savory, make-ahead casserole brings together fluffy bread cubes, hearty sausage, vibrant veggies, and two kinds of melty cheese, all baked together in a rich, custardy egg base. The best part? It’s effortless to prep the night before—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready! Whether you’re hosting family or simply craving something cozy, this recipe promises flavor, convenience, and a mouthwatering golden top in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe plays a key role, creating layers of texture, color, and comfort. Simple, familiar staples come together to build a dish that tastes luxurious while being extremely easy to assemble. Here’s what each component brings to the party:
- Bread cubes (8 cups, day-old): Day-old French or Italian bread soaks up the egg mixture without turning mushy, giving structure and heartiness to the strata.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound, cooked and crumbled): Sausage delivers savory flavor and satisfying protein—feel free to use mild or spicy, depending on your crowd.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Classic sharp cheddar brings melty richness and a bit of bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Mozzarella adds creaminess and gorgeous cheese-pull appeal.
- Onion (1 small, diced): A little onion brings subtle sweetness and depth once baked.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Bell pepper lends bright color and a gentle crunch for every forkful.
- Eggs (10 large): Eggs are the backbone of your custard, binding everything together and creating that perfect, puffed foundation.
- Whole milk (2½ cups): Whole milk ensures the strata bakes up luxurious and moist—don’t skimp on the fat here, it’s worth it.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a touch brings subtle tang and rounds out the savory notes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Salt wakes up all those flavors—don’t forget it!
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For gentle heat and aromatic spice.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): A small amount goes a long way to deepen that savory flavor.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for easy cleanup and perfect slices!
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Build the Base
Start by giving your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. This step saves you from any stuck-on messes later and makes it a breeze to serve. Next, scatter the bread cubes evenly across the bottom—this will form that irresistible, golden base. You want every inch covered without cramming, so the egg custard can seep in perfectly.
Step 2: Layer on the Savory Goodness
Sprinkle the cooked, crumbled sausage over the bread, making sure every corner gets its fair share of flavor. Then add the diced onion and red bell pepper for color and a little bite. Don’t forget the cheese: grab your shredded cheddar and mozzarella and blanket all those layers for extra gooeyness and richness once baked.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You want a uniform, creamy mixture—this custard is the star that holds everything together. The Dijon is subtle but don’t skip it; it rounds out the flavors and elevates the whole Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe.
Step 4: Pour and Press
Pour the egg mixture gently but evenly over the bread, sausage, and veggies in the dish. The bread needs to soak up that liquid, so press down gently with the back of a spoon or your hands. Don’t flatten everything—just enough to submerge the bread. This ensures you get that custardy texture in every bite.
Step 5: Chill and Rest
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (though overnight is best). This resting period lets the bread soak up maximum flavor, creating the strata’s signature texture and body. Your future self will thank you for prepping ahead!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, pull the strata from the fridge and let it sit out while you preheat your oven to 350°F. This takes off the chill, so it bakes evenly. Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden color and the middle is just set. The kitchen will smell amazing! Let it cool for 10 minutes—this helps everything slice beautifully for serving.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the finished strata right before serving. A little sliced green onion or even a bit of grated Parmesan can add intrigue and color, making your Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe look as appetizing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This strata pairs beautifully with simple sides—think a light mixed greens salad tossed in vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit. If you’re in the mood for an extra-cozy breakfast, offer up crispy roasted potatoes or a side of tangy tomato salsa. These refreshing accompaniments lighten up the meal, balancing the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting guests, try cutting the strata into neat squares or rectangles and serve them on a platter. For a brunch buffet, use smaller ramekins or muffin tins for individual portions—they look adorable and make serving effortless. Stack slices on a wooden board with bowls of salsa, Greek yogurt, or hot sauce for a DIY strata bar that really wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a breakfast dream! Once cooled, cover any extra slices and refrigerate them in an airtight container. The Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days without losing its signature texture or flavor.
Freezing
This dish is also freeze-friendly. To freeze, assemble the strata as directed but skip baking—wrap the unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then stash it in the freezer. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. You can also freeze baked slices; just wrap them individually for easy grab-and-go breakfasts down the road.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the whole dish or individual slices with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes should do the trick. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works fine, but keep an eye so they don’t dry out. A splash of milk on top maintains moisture.
FAQs
Can I assemble the Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe more than one day in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the strata up to 24 hours in advance for ultimate convenience. Just keep it well covered in the fridge until baking time. Leaving it longer may cause the bread to break down a bit too much, so it’s best enjoyed within that window.
What are some good vegetarian swaps for the sausage?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping in cooked plant-based sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or extra veggies like spinach and zucchini. The Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe is very adaptable and still tastes wonderful without meat.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Just use your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread in place of the French or Italian bread called for. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this dish a win for everyone at the table.
Can I try different cheeses or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to swap cheddar and mozzarella for fontina, Swiss, pepper jack, or any cheese you love. You can also add extras—think baby spinach, sautéed leeks, or sun-dried tomatoes—for your own unique twist on the classic Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe.
What’s the difference between a strata and a quiche?
Great question! A strata uses chunks of bread soaked in an egg-milk mixture, creating a dense, soufflé-like casserole. Quiche, on the other hand, has a pastry crust and a silkier, custard-like filling. Both are delicious, but the strata is perfect when feeding a crowd and looking to use up leftover bread.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried a Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe yet, now’s the time! Simple to prep, endlessly customizable, and always a hit, this recipe is certain to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients, invite your friends or family, and enjoy a beautiful breakfast together—you’ll be so glad you did.
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Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe is a savory and satisfying breakfast casserole perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch. Layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and vegetables are soaked in an egg mixture and baked to golden perfection. Make it ahead for easy entertaining!
Ingredients
Bread Layer:
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian bread works well)
Sausage and Vegetable Layer:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Cheese Layer:
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Mixture:
- 10 large eggs
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Others:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Layers: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer bread cubes, cooked sausage, onion, bell pepper, and cheeses in the dish.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour over the layers.
- Chill and Bake: Refrigerate for 4 hours. Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes until set. Rest, slice, and serve.
Notes
- This recipe is customizable with different cheeses or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- To make ahead, assemble, wrap, and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
