Early Breakfast Strata
A hearty breakfast casserole combining sausage, eggs, bread, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for weekend brunch or feeding a crowd with flavorful, satisfying layers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage; drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
- Add bread cubes, milk, cheese, mushrooms, asparagus, margarine, flour, dry mustard, basil, and salt to the eggs; mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of Bob Evans original sausage. You can also substitute half-and-half for milk for a richer flavor. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can work in a pinch. Make sure to cube the bread a day or two in advance to allow it to dry out slightly, which helps with absorption of the egg mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This breakfast strata pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. Serve it alongside a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. For a heartier breakfast, consider offering a side of bacon or link sausages. It's also great for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Early Breakfast Strata contains roughly 730 calories, with 23g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 953mg per serving (41% 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 the strata the night before?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for overnight preparation. Simply assemble the strata, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a deliciously moist breakfast dish.
Can I freeze the breakfast strata?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled strata before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, you can use Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a pepper jack for a little heat. Mixing different cheeses can also enhance flavor and texture. Just make sure to use a similar amount to what the recipe calls for to maintain the consistency of the strata.
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).