Print

Loaded Breakfast Strata Recipe Easy Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Idea

loaded breakfast strata - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy, make-ahead breakfast strata layered with day-old bread, eggs, cheese, sausage, and veggies, perfect for Easter brunch and feeding a crowd with ease.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (sourdough or sturdy country loaf recommended)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk (can substitute half-and-half for richer custard)
  • 1 pound cooked breakfast sausage (mild pork or spicy Italian)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and mozzarella blend)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (chopped parsley or chives, optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Cut about 6 cups of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and crumble 1 pound of breakfast sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add butter or oil, then sauté 1 diced onion and 1 cup diced bell pepper until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and 2 cups chopped fresh spinach until evenly mixed.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 ½ cups whole milk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste until smooth and slightly frothy.
  6. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
  7. Spread half of the bread and meat mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella over it. Add the remaining bread mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly.
  8. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered strata, pressing gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and custard is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
  11. Let the strata cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread may become soggy. If bread is fresh, lightly toast cubes before assembling. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly during baking. Let strata rest 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing. Can be made vegetarian by swapping sausage with sautéed mushrooms or veggies. Gluten-free bread can be used for gluten-free version. Dairy-free milk and vegan cheese can be substituted for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast strata, make-ahead brunch, Easter brunch, casserole, sausage strata, cheesy breakfast, easy breakfast casserole

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/loaded-breakfast-strata-recipe-easy-make-ahead-easter-brunch-idea/