Egg, Cheese, and Sausage Strata (1 Hr, 30 Mins)

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This egg, cheese, and sausage strata is a delightful and hearty breakfast-inspired casserole that layers savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and bread in one dish.

Perfect for brunch, lunch, or any time of day, this strata is not only filling but also comforting, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days or holiday gatherings.

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes + overnight setting time
  • Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes + overnight setting
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, casing removed
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably a sturdy variety like French or sourdough)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or dried herbs for added flavor

Instructions

  1. Precook the Sausage (10 minutes): In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Layer the Ingredients (10 minutes): Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheese over the bread. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
  3. Prepare the Egg Mixture (5 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. If using, add paprika or dried herbs to enhance the flavor.
  4. Assemble the Strata (5 minutes): Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Press down lightly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture.
  5. Refrigerate (Overnight): Cover the strata with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up all the flavors and the egg mixture to set.
  6. Bake (45-55 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the covering from the strata and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  7. Serve (5 minutes): Let the strata cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

This delightful strata is a versatile and satisfying dish that is perfect for any breakfast or brunch table.

For the best results, use high-quality sausage and cheese, and don’t skip the refrigeration step, as it is key to achieving the best texture and flavor integration.

Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a more colorful and nutritious option if desired. Serve with home fries, fruit, or a side salad for a complete meal and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 575
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 260mg

Pair this with...

Home Fries

Grab a couple of good ol' russet potatoes, and cut them into bite-sized cubes. A quick tip: to ensure even cooking, try to keep those cubes roughly the same size. In a large skillet, heat a mix of butter and oil (they’re a match made in heaven for flavor and crispiness). Toss in your potato cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden. For an extra layer of yum, consider adding diced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for a kick. Cook until the potatoes are crispy outside but soft inside.

Leafy Greens Side Salad

Kick things off with a bed of your favorite mixed greens—whether it's spinach, arugula, romaine, or a combination of all. Next, layer on thinly sliced red onion, adding a sharp and colorful zing. Slice a cucumber into neat rounds, offering cool and refreshing bites throughout the salad. Halve some juicy cherry tomatoes and scatter them in, lending their sweet-tart bursts. Finally, dot the salad with pitted green olives, introducing a briny depth. For dressing, a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper does wonders. Drizzle it over the salad, toss everything gently, and serve.

Homemade Apple Sauce

Grab about 4-6 apples (mix and match varieties for fun flavors), ¾ cup water, a pinch of salt, and sugar or honey to taste. For an aromatic twist, toss in a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon. First, peel, core, and chop your apples. Throw them in a pot with the water, salt, and optional cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, letting those apples soften for 20-30 minutes. Once they’re all mushy and the kitchen smells like heaven, mash 'em up with a fork or potato masher. Sweeten if desired, and voilà, you’ve got applesauce! Serve it warm or cold.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!