Egg Bake(Zesti-Egg Strata)
A hearty egg bake combining savory sausage, cheese, vegetables, and bread, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, serving a group with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cooked breakfast sausage, bacon or ham ⓘ
- 5 c. cubed white bread ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly sauté or cook the sausage, bacon, or ham.
- Mix together bread cubes, cooked meat, celery, onions, green pepper, and cheese in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Combine eggs, milk, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and mustard.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and meat mixture.
- Spread undiluted cream of chicken soup over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake uncovered at 300°F (150°C) for 1 1/2 hours or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider substituting the sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. You can also mix in some chopped spinach or other vegetables for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. Ensure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Egg Bake warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal. For a hearty breakfast or brunch option, consider serving it alongside crispy hash browns or a refreshing smoothie. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored 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 until heated through. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg Bake(Zesti-Egg Strata) contains roughly 801 calories, with 13g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (169% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2171mg per serving (94% 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 egg bake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a convenient breakfast. Just remember to bake it uncovered in the morning, as directed, for best results.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can mix equal parts of chicken broth and heavy cream with a bit of flour to thicken it. Alternatively, a can of cream of mushroom soup can work well too, adding a different flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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).