Creamy Sourdough Mushroom & Maple Sausage Strata
This decadent Sourdough Mushroom & Maple Sausage Strata is the perfect centerpiece for a special breakfast or brunch. Layered with cubes of hearty sourdough bread, savory maple sausage, and melty cheddar cheese, each bite is a warm, comforting treat. The addition of creamy mushroom soup adds richness and depth, making this casserole irresistibly creamy. Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning for a hassle-free, delicious meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned mushrooms
8 ounces (drained)
Shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Maple flavored sausage
1 pound (crumbled and cooked)
Sourdough bread
1 loaf (cubed)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 can (ready to use)
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (whole or 2%)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the maple-flavored sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool.
3
While the sausage is cooling, cube the sourdough bread and evenly spread it across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
4
Sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese over the cubed bread, distributing them evenly.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the eggs and cream of mushroom soup. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed until thoroughly combined. Slowly add the milk and mix on low speed until just combined.
6
Carefully pour the egg and soup mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese, ensuring that everything is well soaked.
7
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
8
In the morning, remove the cover from the baking dish and bake the strata in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main bread used in this strata?
The recipe calls for one loaf of hearty sourdough bread, cubed.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, while maple-flavored sausage provides a unique sweetness, you can substitute it with spicy Italian, sage, or turkey sausage.
Do I need to cook the sausage before assembling?
Yes, the sausage should be crumbled and cooked in a skillet until browned and fully cooked before being added to the dish.
What size baking dish do I need?
This recipe is designed for a standard 9x13-inch baking dish.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms; however, it is recommended to sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the strata overnight?
Yes, refrigerating overnight allows the sourdough bread to fully absorb the egg and soup mixture, resulting in a better texture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese for a classic savory flavor.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 4 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with the soup.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Cream of mushroom soup adds depth, but you could substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken if preferred.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 1/2 cups of whole or 2% milk.
How long does the strata take to bake?
It typically takes about 1 hour in the oven until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the strata from sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect centerpiece for a special breakfast or brunch.
How do I mix the eggs and soup?
Use an electric mixer on high speed to combine the eggs and cream of mushroom soup before adding the milk.
Can I prepare this the same day I bake it?
While overnight is best, you should let it soak for at least 4 hours if making it the same day.
How do I know when the strata is done?
The strata is done when the center is set and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, spinach, bell peppers, or onions would make great additions to this savory casserole.
Should I drain the canned mushrooms?
Yes, ensure the 8 ounces of canned mushrooms are well-drained before adding them.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheddar cheese works perfectly fine for this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is savory and slightly sweet due to the maple sausage, but not spicy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the strata before baking?
It is not recommended to freeze before baking due to the egg and milk mixture, but you can freeze it after it has been baked and cooled.
What makes this strata 'creamy'?
The addition of cream of mushroom soup along with the eggs and milk creates an irresistibly creamy texture.
Can I substitute the sourdough with white bread?
You can, but sourdough is preferred because its hearty structure holds up well against the liquid mixture.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
The instructions suggest baking it uncovered so the top can become golden brown.
How do I reheat the strata?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it involves simple layering and mixing, making it very approachable.
Can I use skim milk?
You can, though the result may be slightly less rich than when using whole or 2% milk.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While not specified, a 9x13-inch strata typically serves 8 to 10 people.