Pizza Strata
A savory breakfast casserole combining sausage, cheese, and bread with a flavorful egg mixture, perfect for brunch or family gatherings offering comfort and hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove crusts from 4 slices of bread and reserve the crusts.
- Use the remaining 4 slices of bread and the reserved crusts to cover the bottom of a greased 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook sausage and chopped onion for 10 minutes or until the sausage is brown. Drain excess fat.
- Spread the sausage and onion mixture over the bread in the baking dish.
- Cover the meat mixture with sliced mozzarella cheese.
- Spread pizza sauce over the cheese layer.
- Cut the remaining 4 slices of bread on the diagonal and place them in 2 overlapping rows atop the sauce, forming triangles that overlap points of the preceding triangles.
- In a bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, snipped parsley, and dried oregano.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers.
- Cover the dish tightly and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, use pre-cooked sausage or even leftover cooked sausage. If you want a lighter version, consider using whole grain bread and low-fat cheese options. You can also enhance the flavor by adding red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the egg mixture. To make it vegetarian, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a hearty breakfast sausage soufflé for a delicious brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
After baking, let the pizza strata cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply slice the strata and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Strata contains roughly 990 calories, with 62g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (213% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1629mg per serving (71% 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 pizza strata ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strata the night before. After assembling, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of feta for added flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the texture slightly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze pizza strata for later enjoyment. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, and enjoy!
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).