Description
This mouthwatering Breakfast Strata layers crusty bread, savory sausage, spinach, and melted cheese in a rich egg custard for a comforting and impressive brunch dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning for a golden, cheesy centerpiece everyone will love.
Ingredients
8 cups cubed crusty bread (sourdough or French bread)
1 lb breakfast sausage, casings removed (or turkey sausage)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or fresh spinach, sautéed)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
12 large eggs
3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)
1 tsp dry mustard powder (or 1 tsp Dijon mustard)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
- Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage until fully cooked. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread the sausage mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle 1½ cups cheddar and all the Gruyère on top.
- Mix the egg custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble and chill: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake the strata: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Finish and serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture.
Assemble the night before to make brunch effortless.
Add vegetables like roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
For a lighter version, use skim milk and part-skim cheese.
Substitute Italian sausage and mozzarella for a Mediterranean twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
