Strata(Very Good)
A hearty breakfast casserole combining savory sausage, cheese, and fresh vegetables, baked to perfection—ideal for brunch gatherings or weekend family breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry bread cubes or crumbs ⓘ
- 1 pound bulk sausage, browned and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green peppers, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 8 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 8 bacon slices, fried crisp, drained and crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle bread cubes evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage over the bread cubes.
- Place minced green peppers and sliced green onions over the sausage layer.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs; then add milk, grated cheese, ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika, mixing well.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and bread layers.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Venison Breakfast Sausage(Bulk) instead of pork sausage. You can also substitute half of the milk with cream for a creamier texture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Make sure to let the strata sit overnight in the fridge to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious strata warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a side of Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Ham.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Ensure it's heated evenly to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strata(Very Good) contains roughly 777 calories, with 25g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the strata a day ahead. After assembling, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a better texture when baked.
What type of bread works best for strata?
Stale or day-old bread works best for strata as it holds up better against the egg mixture. You can use any type of bread, such as sourdough, French bread, or even whole grain, depending on your preference.
Can I freeze strata?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked strata. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. For best results, do not freeze after baking.
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).