Savory Italian Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Strata
This Savory Italian Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Strata is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of crusty bread soaked in a rich egg and milk mixture, combined with savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and two types of cheese, this recipe packs a flavorful punch. Easy to prepare and bake, it transforms simple ingredients into a comforting breakfast or brunch option. Serve with warmed spaghetti sauce for a touch of Italian flair that will impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
day-old bread
10 slices (crusts removed and cubed)
mild Italian sausage
1 lb (casings removed and crumbled)
onion
1 medium (diced)
mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
red pepper
1 cup (diced)
Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
eggs
8 (beaten)
whole milk
3 cups (none)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic
2 teaspoons (finely minced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
to taste (none)
prepared spaghetti sauce
2 cups (warmed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
2
Remove the crusts from the day-old bread and cut it into cubes.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the mild Italian sausage and sauté it until browned. Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced red pepper, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
4
Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the sausage and vegetable mixture, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, sausage mixture, and cheese.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and salt. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole and let it stand for 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
6
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the strata is set and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
7
Cut the strata into squares and serve each portion drizzled with warm spaghetti sauce for added richness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Italian Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Strata?
It is a hearty, savory breakfast casserole featuring layers of bread, Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese soaked in a rich egg mixture.
What kind of bread should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of day-old bread with the crusts removed and cut into cubes.
Why is day-old bread recommended for a strata?
Day-old bread is drier, allowing it to better absorb the egg and milk mixture without becoming overly mushy.
What type of sausage is used?
The recipe uses 1 pound of mild Italian sausage with the casings removed and crumbled.
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of mild?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier breakfast dish, you can substitute hot Italian sausage for the mild version.
Which vegetables are included in the strata?
The recipe includes a medium diced onion, one cup of sliced mushrooms, and one cup of diced red pepper.
What cheeses are needed?
You will need 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How many eggs are used in the liquid mixture?
This recipe requires 8 large beaten eggs.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 3 cups of whole milk for the best richness and texture.
What seasonings provide the Italian flavor?
The dish is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
What size baking dish do I need?
You should use a lightly greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
What is the baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer half the bread cubes, followed by half the sausage and vegetable mixture, and half the cheese; then repeat the layers once more.
How long should the strata sit before baking?
Once the egg mixture is poured over, let the casserole stand for 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
How long does the strata take to bake?
Bake the strata for 60 to 70 minutes until it is set and the top is golden brown.
Should I let the strata rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve each portion drizzled with warm spaghetti sauce for added richness and Italian flair.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients used in this Savory Italian Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Strata.
How do I prepare the sausage and vegetables?
Sauté the crumbled sausage in a large skillet until browned, then add the onion, mushrooms, and red pepper and cook until tender.
Do I need to remove the bread crusts?
Yes, the instructions specifically mention removing the crusts before cubing the bread.
Is this recipe good for brunch?
Absolutely, its hearty nature and easy preparation make it a perfect option for brunch or feeding a crowd.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
While Monterey Jack and mozzarella are recommended, you can use other melting cheeses like mild cheddar or provolone.
How much spaghetti sauce do I need?
The recipe suggests having 2 cups of warmed prepared spaghetti sauce ready for serving.
What does 'set' mean in terms of the finished bake?
It means the egg mixture has solidified and the center is no longer liquid or jiggly.
Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes, while the recipe calls for red pepper, you can use green, yellow, or orange peppers based on your preference.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of finely minced garlic.
Can I add extra salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste within the egg mixture.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, cheesy, and satisfying ingredients.
How should I cut the strata for serving?
After resting, the strata should be cut into squares for easy serving.