Breakfast Sausage Strata Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole combining savory sausage, melted Swiss cheese, and flavorful peppers layered with bread, perfect for weekend brunch or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 lb pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet green peppers ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons yellow prepared mustard ⓘ
- 12 slices white bread, crusts removed ⓘ
- 1 lb Swiss cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 6 large eggs ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, sauté pork sausage and sweet red and green peppers until sausage is well browned.
- Drain the sausage mixture to remove excess fat.
- Stir prepared yellow mustard into the sausage mixture.
- Arrange slices of white bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top the bread with the sausage mixture, then sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least several hours before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the Swiss cheese with cheddar or pepper jack. You can also use turkey sausage for a healthier option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. Prepare the strata the night before, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture for better texture. This recipe is great for brunch gatherings or holidays.
Serving Suggestions
This Breakfast Sausage Strata Casserole is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light salad. Consider serving it alongside a classic Egg And Bacon Casserole for a delightful spread. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color. A side of coffee or juice complements this hearty dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out if reheating larger portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Breakfast Sausage Strata Casserole contains roughly 1122 calories, with 36g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), iron (112% of the Daily Value), and calcium (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1173mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Just remember to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze leftover strata?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What can I use instead of pork sausage?
You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or a plant-based sausage. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).