Easy Sausage Strata: The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast or Brunch
Are you searching for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch option that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further than the sausage strata! This savory bread pudding is packed with flavor and can be assembled ahead of time, making it perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your refrigerator. The best part? You can customize it to your taste! Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or herbs for a unique twist. Get ready to discover the delightful world of sausage strata!
What is a Strata?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what a strata actually is. A strata is essentially a savory bread pudding. It consists of layers of bread, cheese, meat, and vegetables, all soaked in a custard-like egg mixture and then baked until golden brown and puffy. The term “strata” comes from the Latin word for “layer,” which perfectly describes its layered construction.
The beauty of a strata lies in its versatility. You can use almost any type of bread, cheese, meat, or vegetable you like. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread or vegetables that are about to go bad. Plus, the make-ahead nature of a strata makes it an ideal dish for entertaining or meal prepping.
Why This Sausage Strata Recipe is a Winner
This particular sausage strata recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **Easy to Make:** It requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt it to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
* **Budget-Friendly:** It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious sausage strata:
* **1 pound breakfast sausage:** Choose your favorite type of sausage, such as pork, turkey, or Italian sausage. Remove the casings for easier browning.
* **1 loaf (about 1 pound) crusty bread:** French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough bread work well. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Day-old bread is ideal, as it will soak up the custard better.
* **6 large eggs:** These are the base of the custard that binds the strata together.
* **2 cups milk:** Use whole milk or 2% milk for the best flavor and texture. You can also substitute half-and-half or cream for a richer result.
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice tangy flavor. You can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere.
* **1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note.
* **1/2 cup chopped onion:** Onion adds a savory flavor base to the strata. You can use yellow, white, or red onion.
* **1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper:** Green bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color. You can also use other bell peppers like red, yellow, or orange.
* **2 tablespoons butter:** For sautéing the sausage, onion, and pepper.
* **1 teaspoon dried mustard:** Adds a subtle tang and enhances the other flavors.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** To season the strata.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** To add a bit of spice.
* **Optional additions:** Fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or thyme), mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or other vegetables.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large skillet:** For browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables.
* **9×13 inch baking dish:** For assembling and baking the strata.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the egg mixture and combining the ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the eggs and milk together.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cutting board and knife:** For chopping the bread, vegetables, and herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment, let’s get started with making the sausage strata!
**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables**
1. Remove the sausage from its casing (if applicable). In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
**Step 2: Prepare the Bread**
1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If you’re using day-old bread, you can leave it out at room temperature for a few hours to dry out further. This will help it soak up the custard better.
**Step 3: Prepare the Egg Custard**
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dried mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
**Step 4: Assemble the Strata**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Arrange half of the bread cubes in a single layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bread.
4. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the sausage and vegetables.
5. Repeat layers with the remaining bread cubes, sausage mixture, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Pour the egg custard evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure to saturate all the bread. Gently press down on the bread with a spoon to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard.
**Step 5: Refrigerate (Optional)**
1. For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the strata immediately, but it may be slightly less flavorful.
**Step 6: Bake the Strata**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. If the strata has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
3. Bake the strata for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffy and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
4. If the top of the strata is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
**Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve**
1. Remove the strata from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to cut.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
* **Use Day-Old Bread:** Day-old bread is ideal for making strata because it absorbs the custard better than fresh bread. If you’re using fresh bread, you can dry it out slightly by toasting it in the oven or leaving it out at room temperature for a few hours.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Make sure the bread cubes are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding the pan can prevent the custard from saturating the bread properly.
* **Saturate the Bread with Custard:** Pour the egg custard evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure to saturate all the bread. Gently press down on the bread with a spoon to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard.
* **Refrigerate Before Baking (Optional):** Refrigerating the strata for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together. This will result in a more flavorful and cohesive strata.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the strata can result in a dry and rubbery texture. Bake it until it’s golden brown and puffy and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
* **Let it Rest Before Serving:** Letting the strata rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to cut.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of a strata is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your liking. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Meat:** Instead of sausage, you can use bacon, ham, cooked chicken, or turkey. You can also use a combination of meats.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, or pepper jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the strata to soften them.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, thyme, or rosemary can add a burst of flavor. Add them to the egg custard or sprinkle them over the top of the strata before baking.
* **Bread:** Use different types of bread like croissants, challah, or brioche. You can also use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free strata.
* **Milk:** Substitute half-and-half or cream for the milk for a richer result. You can also use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free strata.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can also use other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage strata is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the savory flavors of the strata.
* **Yogurt Parfait:** A yogurt parfait with granola and berries is a healthy and satisfying side dish.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a touch of freshness.
* **Hash Browns:** Crispy hash browns are a classic breakfast side dish that pairs perfectly with strata.
* **Toast or English Muffins:** Serve with toast or English muffins and your favorite jam or spread.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect accompaniment to a delicious brunch.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best things about strata is that it can be made ahead of time. Here’s how to make it ahead:
1. Assemble the strata according to the recipe instructions.
2. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let the strata sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
4. Bake according to the recipe instructions.
Storage Instructions
Leftover sausage strata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the strata with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.
Recipe Card
**Easy Sausage Strata**
A savory bread pudding packed with flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Refrigeration Time (Optional):** 2 hours or overnight
**Total Time:** 1 hour 5 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
**Servings:** 8-10 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound breakfast sausage
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) crusty bread, cubed
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 teaspoon dried mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional additions: Fresh herbs, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, etc.
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease.
3. Add onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dried mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange half of the bread cubes in the baking dish. Top with half of the sausage mixture, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
6. Pour egg custard over the layered ingredients, making sure to saturate all the bread. Gently press down on the bread.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (optional).
8. Uncover and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
**Notes:**
* Use day-old bread for best results.
* Customize with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
* Make ahead and refrigerate for a more flavorful strata.
Conclusion
This easy sausage strata is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying sausage strata that everyone will love!
Enjoy!