Fresh Pork Sausage Strata
Savory pork sausage strata layered with buttery bread, melty cheese, and a custard base—comforting, hearty breakfast that feeds a crowd and pairs with fresh fruit or a light salad.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté the fresh pork sausage in a skillet until fully cooked, then crumble and set aside.
- Brush both sides of each bread slice with melted butter or oleo.
- Arrange six slices of bread in the bottom of a 7½ x 12-inch baking pan.
- Evenly sprinkle the crumbled sausage over the bread.
- Place one slice of cheese on each piece of bread.
- Layer the remaining six slices of trimmed bread on top of the first layer.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, black pepper, minced onion, seasoned salt, and dry mustard in a bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and sausage.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and set.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally topped with fresh herbs or a side of fruit.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also swap the fresh pork sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based option for a lighter dish. If you prefer a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for an easy breakfast option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the strata hot, topped with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Boy'S Twice Baked Potatoes for a hearty brunch or breakfast gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This strata also freezes well; just make sure it’s tightly wrapped.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Pork Sausage Strata contains roughly 1004 calories, with 22g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1248mg per serving (54% 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, you can assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quick breakfast option the next day.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for cheese slices, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are great choices. If you want a stronger flavor, consider adding a bit of feta or blue cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the strata?
Absolutely! You can enhance the dish by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be sure to drain excess moisture to avoid making the strata soggy.
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).