Christmas Morning Strata
A hearty Christmas morning casserole with savory sausage, melted mozzarella, and flavorful mushrooms layered with bread, perfect for festive brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Night before serving, grease a 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish.
- Cook the Italian sausage meat, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Cut the French or Italian bread into 1/2 inch cubes.
- Drain and chop the sliced mushrooms.
- In the baking dish, combine the cooked sausage, bread cubes, and chopped mushrooms.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage, bread, and mushroom mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half-and-half for the milk. You can also use leftover bread from the previous day for added texture. If you want to add some vegetables, spinach or bell peppers can be great additions. Make sure to let the strata sit overnight to absorb the flavors fully; this is key to achieving a delicious breakfast casserole, similar to Cheese And Sausage Strata.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish warm, topped with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced brunch. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a sweet treat like Meg'S Cheesecake or a warm beverage like spiced cider.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Morning Strata contains roughly 2097 calories, with 100g protein, 249g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (200% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 prepare this strata in advance?
Yes, this dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy breakfast on Christmas morning.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is recommended for its meltiness, you can replace it with cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of your favorites for added flavor. Just be mindful of the saltiness of the cheese you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian sausage and add in more vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. You can also replace the sausage with a meat substitute or add more cheese for protein.
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).