Strata Recipe is the unsung hero of make-ahead breakfasts—a creamy, savory bread pudding brimming with sausage, vegetables, and melty cheeses, all bound together in fluffy baked eggs. Not only does it win hearts on lazy weekends and bustling holidays, but it’s endlessly customizable and blissfully simple to throw together. Imagine waking up to the aroma of golden-baked goodness, ready to slice and share with people you love. This dish truly turns any breakfast or brunch into a special, memory-filled meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these classic, everyday staples to create a Strata Recipe that brings cozy comfort and irresistible flavor. Every ingredient has a role—some add creaminess, others a touch of heat or colorful zest, and all of them combine into bite after satisfying bite.
- Day-old bread (8 cups, cubed; French or sourdough): The star component that soaks up all the delicious custard, giving your strata its signature soft-but-structured texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sauté your sausage and veggies, adding depth and subtle richness.
- Breakfast sausage or diced ham (1/2 pound): A savory anchor—sausage brings bold flavor, but ham works beautifully for a milder bite.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Sweetens as it cooks, building a flavorful base for the filling.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Adds color and gentle sweetness, making every forkful pop.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Lends sharpness, creaminess, and a gorgeous golden finish.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): For oozy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that complements the cheddar.
- Eggs (8 large): These hold everything together, transforming bread and fillings into a lush, baked custard.
- Whole milk (2 1/2 cups): Essential for a tender, creamy bite—don’t skimp on fat here!
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A little secret ingredient that perks up the eggs and brightens the whole dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mellow garlic flavor and warmth without overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the other tastes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of peppery spice to round things out.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Finishes the strata with a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Strata Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks (always a relief!). Lay your bread cubes evenly in the bottom—this will become the pillowy, satisfying foundation for your Strata Recipe. Day-old or slightly dried bread works best, as it can soak up all the liquid without getting mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your breakfast sausage and break it up as it cooks, letting it brown and develop all that savory flavor. Once it’s cooked through, add the onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about five minutes, until everything is tender and fragrant—the veggies will sweeten and mingle beautifully with the sausage.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Once the sausage and veggie mixture cools slightly, scatter it evenly over the bread cubes in your dish. Sprinkle both cheeses over the top—this is where you start to see just how inviting your Strata Recipe will look before it even hits the oven.
Step 4: Make the Egg Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is creamy and well-emulsified. This custard not only binds the ingredients, but infuses the entire strata with rich, savory flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and fillings in your baking dish, gently pressing down on the bread so it drinks up that custardy goodness. This step ensures every bite is soft and flavorful. Cover with foil and let the magic happen in the fridge: two hours minimum, or overnight if you love a make-ahead breakfast routine.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take off the foil and slide the strata into the hot oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re watching for a wonderfully puffed, golden brown top and set center. Let it rest for 10 minutes—this makes slicing much easier and allows the flavors to settle in.
How to Serve Strata Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Strata Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving, or try thinly sliced green onions or chives for a bright, herby finish. A light dusting of extra cheese or even a few shakes of hot sauce can add extra flair and flavor that wakes up the senses.
Side Dishes
This rich, cheesy breakfast casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, tangy fruit (think citrus segments or berries), or crunchy roasted potatoes. For a brunch spread, consider adding fresh orange juice, pastries, or yogurt parfaits alongside your strata.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it directly from the baking dish for family style comfort, or cut into neat squares and plate individually for a more polished, brunch-party vibe. Mini Strata Recipe bites look adorable baked in muffin tins for handheld portions—ideal for buffets or make-and-take get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Strata Recipe to cool completely. Slice into squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making leftovers a real breakfast bonus.
Freezing
Strata freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop into a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place slices in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for quick breakfasts on the go. The texture holds up beautifully—even after a little time in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I make this Strata Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage or ham and load your strata with extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted tomatoes. You’ll get just as much flavor and color, with a wholesome twist.
What type Breakfast
French or sourdough bread is ideal for this Strata Recipe because they hold their structure after soaking. Avoid very soft sandwich breads, as they tend to get too mushy.
Do I have to refrigerate overnight?
Nope, but it does help the flavors mellow and gives the bread time to fully absorb the custard. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 2 hours in the fridge for best results.
Can I use different cheeses or meats?
Yes! Strata Recipe thrives on variety—try Gruyère, pepper jack, or Swiss, and swap in cooked bacon, turkey sausage, or even smoked salmon if you’re feeling adventurous.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
No worries—half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream works well, too. Avoid skim milk for this recipe, as it can make the strata less rich and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your brunch crew or just wake up to a meal that practically makes itself, this Strata Recipe is a must-try. It’s comfort food at its most flexible and crowd-pleasing—give it a spot in your breakfast rotation and watch it become a family classic!
Print
Strata Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delectable Strata Recipe is a savory breakfast casserole that can be prepped ahead for a hassle-free morning meal. Layers of bread, sausage, veggies, and cheese baked to golden perfection make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Bread:
8 cups day-old bread (cubed, such as French or sourdough)
Meat:
1/2 pound breakfast sausage (or diced ham)
Veggies:
1 small onion (chopped), 1 red bell pepper (diced)
Cheese:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Mixture:
8 large eggs, 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly place the cubed bread on the bottom.
- Cook Sausage and Veggies: Brown the sausage in a skillet, then add onion and bell pepper until softened. Remove from heat and cool.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the sausage and veggies over bread, then add cheeses on top.
- Make Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the bread and fillings.
- Chill and Bake: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Serve: Rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can customize this strata with your favorite cheeses, meats, or veggies.
- This dish is ideal for prepping ahead, making it perfect for brunches or holiday mornings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
