If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines savory, sweet, and gooey goodness in every bite, this Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe is your new go-to. With layers of tender bread soaked in a rich custard, hearty sausage infused with fragrant maple syrup, sharp cheddar cheese melting throughout, and hints of fresh herbs, every forkful feels like a warm hug. Perfect for leisurely weekend brunches or special holiday mornings, this dish turns simple ingredients into a spectacular comfort meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe is how straightforward ingredients come together to create an unforgettable flavor experience. Each component plays its part, from the soft, buttery bread cubes that soak up the custard to the sweet-salty balance of maple syrup and sausage, and the cheddar that adds richness and depth.
- 27 ounces sandwich bread (King’s Hawaiian preferred, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes): The slightly sweet, pillowy bread forms the base that soaks up all the savory goodness.
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean brand): Adds the perfect meaty, seasoned bite with a bit of spice.
- â…“ cup 100% pure maple syrup: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the salty sausage and cheese.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter: Used for sautéing onions and thyme, adding richness.
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme: Infuses a mild herbal aroma that brightens up the dish.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped (about ¾ to 1 cup): Offers sweetness and texture after cooking down.
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste: Adds savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (plus optional ½ cup for extra topping): Melts into every crevice for cheesy, gooey bliss.
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, vibrant note and beautiful color contrast.
- 6 large eggs: The essential binding agent for the custard base.
- 2 cups half & half: Creates a creamy, luscious custard that soaks into the bread.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a mild warming kick.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray so your strata won’t stick later on. Removing the crusts from your bread and cutting it into 1-inch cubes ensures even soaking and a tender texture. Toss these cubes into a large mixing bowl – this is where all the layering magic begins.
Step 2: Cook the Maple-Infused Sausage
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground breakfast sausage until there’s no more pink visible. Now for the twist—the maple syrup goes in, cooking for an extra minute or two until the sausage carries that delightful sweet note. Once done, transfer this syrupy sausage mixture right into the bowl with the bread cubes.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the skillet heat to medium and melt the salted butter. Toss in the thyme sprigs and chopped onion, sautéing until the onions turn soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic paste for just a minute to avoid harshness and remove the thyme sprigs before adding everything to your bread and sausage mix.
Step 4: Combine Cheese and Herbs with Bread Mixture
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley to the bowl. Gently stir and toss all ingredients together, making sure the bread cubes are evenly coated and the cheese is well distributed. Then, press this mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan to set a solid base for the custard.
Step 5: Whisk and Pour the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, half & half, sea salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl or measuring cup until fully combined. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the pan, letting it soak into every nook and cranny.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Set
Cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time lets every bite become rich and custardy as the bread absorbs the liquid.
Step 7: Bake Your Strata to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the strata uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it slightly puffs up and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown color, with bubbling cheesy edges that make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your strata into squares and serve immediately while it’s warm and melty. For an extra burst of sweetness, feel free to drizzle a little more maple syrup on top. This step takes the dish over the top with a perfect balance of flavors in every mouthful.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives add a pop of color and a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the strata. A light drizzle of warm maple syrup right before serving amps up the sweet and savory harmony, making every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair this strata with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance and natural sweetness. Crispy breakfast potatoes or roasted asparagus make fantastic savory sides, completing a comforting and hearty brunch that will impress your friends and family.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your strata in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at your brunch table or cut it into bite-sized squares as part of a brunch buffet. You might also top each piece with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of your favorite berry compote to add a new layer of flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats when you want a comforting breakfast without starting from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to keep this strata longer, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can thaw and reheat whenever the craving strikes without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven helps restore the baked texture and melty cheese experience you love.
FAQs
Can I make this strata without the sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. The rest of the recipe remains the same for a delicious outcome.
Is it necessary to remove the crust from the bread?
Removing the crust ensures a more uniform texture and prevents any overly chewy bits. It also helps the bread soak up the custard more evenly, resulting in a tender strata.
Can I prepare the strata completely the night before?
Yes! This recipe actually benefits from sitting overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard perfectly.
What type of cheese works best besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a different depth of flavor.
How sweet does the maple syrup make the dish?
The maple syrup adds a subtle, natural sweetness that complements the savory sausage and cheese nicely without being overpowering—it’s a lovely balance that defines this strata.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe is guaranteed to brighten your morning with its rich flavors and comforting texture. It’s simple to assemble but impressive enough to serve guests or keep as a special weekend treat. Give it a go, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s one of those dishes that everyone keeps coming back to for seconds!
Print
Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage Breakfast Strata is a savory and satisfying layered casserole featuring tender cubes of King’s Hawaiian bread soaked in a rich egg custard, combined with maple-simmered breakfast sausage, sautéed onions with fresh thyme, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for brunch or holiday mornings that bakes to a golden, fluffy perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 27 ounces sandwich bread (King’s Hawaiian preferred, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean brand)
- â…“ cup 100% pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 yellow onion, chopped (about ¾ to 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (plus optional ½ cup for extra topping, if desired)
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside. Remove the crust from the bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Discard the end pieces of the bread. Add the cubed bread to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Pour in the maple syrup and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sausage is well coated and syrupy. Transfer the cooked sausage to the mixing bowl with the bread cubes.
- Prepare the Onion Mixture: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt the salted butter. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and the chopped yellow onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic paste and cook for another minute, taking care not to burn the garlic. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and transfer the onion mixture to the mixing bowl.
- Combine Bread Mixture: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl containing bread, sausage, and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together ensuring even distribution, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture down gently to create an even layer.
- Make the Custard: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, half & half, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the baking dish, allowing the liquid to soak in.
- Refrigerate the Strata: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the bread absorb the custard and flavors meld.
- Bake the Strata: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the strata uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is puffed and golden brown, and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow the strata to cool slightly before slicing into portions. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle additional maple syrup on top if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using King’s Hawaiian bread adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory sausage and sharp cheddar beautifully.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with sausage-style plant-based crumbles.
- You can prepare the strata the night before to save time in the morning—just bake it fresh before serving.
- Optional extra shredded cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top before baking for a cheesier crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the strata keeps well for up to 3 days.
