This Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe is the ultimate answer to lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or any time you want a hearty, comforting breakfast that’s just as impressive as it is easy to pull together. Imagine golden cubes of bread, savory sausage, sweet sautéed peppers and onions, and a melting blanket of cheese all bound together in a perfectly seasoned custard. It’s a make-ahead marvel that lets you sleep in and still serve up something special—trust me, this is one breakfast bake you’ll want in your regular rotation!

Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe lies in its straightforward, flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a key role, bringing out the best in every bite—think rich sausage, creamy eggs, and just the right touch of colorful veggies and gooey cheese.

Breakfast sausage: Adds savory, meaty flavor as the backbone of the dish; use your favorite mild or spicy variety.
Olive oil: Only needed if your sausage is lean; it helps prevent sticking while adding a hint of richness.
Yellow onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and depth to the strata when sautéed.
Red bell pepper: Offers color, crunch, and a pop of natural sweetness that brightens up the casserole.
Eggs: The essential ingredient for a custardy, fluffy texture that holds everything together.
Whole milk: Makes the custard base extra creamy and lush—don’t skimp here!
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors, balancing the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Black pepper: A touch of warmth and spice that elevates the dish.
Garlic powder: For that deep, savory background note that makes every bite irresistible.
Day-old bread (French or sourdough): Soaks up the custard beautifully and bakes up golden and tender.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, tangy pockets throughout the strata for maximum flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds extra stretch and creaminess to the cheesy layer.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Make Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step makes serving a breeze later on and ensures that none of the delicious cheesy crust is left behind. Set the dish aside and get ready for some breakfast magic.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. If your sausage is on the lean side and starts sticking, drizzle in a little olive oil. Once the sausage is cooked through, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté everything for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and released their sweetness. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This step infuses every bite with savory depth and a hint of sweetness.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You want everything well combined so the custard bakes up silky-smooth and evenly seasoned. Don’t rush this step—the more thoroughly you whisk, the better the texture of your Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe!

Step 4: Combine Bread, Sausage, and Cheese

Add the cubed day-old bread to the bowl along with the cooled sausage mixture, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Gently toss until the bread is evenly coated and the sausage and cheese are distributed throughout. This is where all the flavors start to meld together—every cube of bread will soak up a bit of that tasty custard.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so everything is even. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want to prep ahead. The chilling time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a wonderfully tender and cohesive strata.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Take the strata out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes—this helps it bake evenly. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean). Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This short rest makes it easier to cut and lets the flavors settle.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe warm and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a welcome pop of green and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. For extra flair, try a few sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika. These little touches make your Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp fruit salad, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a platter of juicy sliced tomatoes. If you’re planning a brunch spread, add a side of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory strata.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual squares on small plates for a sit-down brunch, or cut the strata into bite-sized cubes and skewer them for a fun, portable breakfast bite at parties. You can even layer portions into mason jars for a grab-and-go meal that’s as cute as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for easy breakfasts all week!

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cooled strata into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through, or cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven. The strata stays moist and tasty, making those busy mornings a little brighter and a lot more delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While French or sourdough bread works beautifully for this Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe, you can substitute any sturdy, slightly stale bread you have on hand—think ciabatta, baguette, or even multigrain. Just avoid breads that are too soft, as they can become mushy.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, feel free to toss in extras like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté any vegetables first to remove excess moisture and keep your strata delightfully fluffy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply skip the sausage or use a plant-based sausage alternative. Load up on your favorite vegetables and maybe add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth—the result will still be hearty and satisfying.

What’s the best cheese for this strata?

Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but you can mix and match with pepper jack, Swiss, gouda, or whatever you love. The key is to pick cheeses that melt well and complement the savory notes of the Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe.

Can I bake the strata right after assembling?

While chilling allows the bread to soak up all the custard, you can bake it right away if you’re short on time. The texture may be slightly less cohesive, but it will still taste fantastic—just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few minutes less.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s comforting, customizable, and incredibly easy to make ahead, this Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe truly delivers. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles around your table—there’s nothing like sharing a homemade breakfast bake that tastes like it came straight from your favorite brunch spot!

Sausage Breakfast Strata Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time if refrigerated overnight
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Sausage Breakfast Strata featuring savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of cheeses baked into a custardy egg and bread casserole. Perfect for make-ahead brunches and holiday mornings, this strata combines the richness of eggs and dairy with the satisfying texture of day-old bread and a touch of fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound breakfast sausage (casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced

Custard and Seasonings

8 large eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Base and Cheese

6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside to be ready for the strata mixture.
Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up as it browns. If the sausage is lean and starts sticking, add the olive oil. Once fully cooked, add diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined and smooth.
Combine bread and sausage mixture: Add the cubed day-old bread, cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses to the egg mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the bread is evenly soaked and ingredients are well incorporated.
Assemble and chill: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and bread to fully absorb the custard.
Preheat oven and prepare to bake: When ready to bake, remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the strata: Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
Rest and serve: Let the strata rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to firm up slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Notes

Feel free to substitute or mix cheeses such as pepper jack or Swiss for different flavors.
Add additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra taste and nutrition.
This dish is great for preparing the night before, making it perfect for holiday breakfasts or leisurely weekend brunches.
Use day-old bread to ensure the custard is absorbed properly without becoming too soggy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American