Turkey Sausage Strata
A savory breakfast casserole with turkey sausage, broccoli, cheese, and bread, baked to perfection—ideal for brunch gatherings or weekend family mornings.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread, cubed ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. turkey breakfast sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. thawed cholesterol-free egg product ⓘ
- 3 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) pkg. cut broccoli, thawed ⓘ
- 1 jar sliced pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer bread, mozzarella cheese, sausage, onion, broccoli, and pimento in the baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine egg product, milk, salt, and mustard; blend well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Uncover and bake at 325°F for 55 to 70 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider using Italian-seasoned turkey sausage instead of regular. If you don't have mozzarella, provolone or cheddar cheese can serve as excellent substitutes. Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrients. To save time, you can use pre-cooked sausage or even Sausage Cheese Crumbles for a quicker prep.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey Sausage Strata is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad for balance. Consider serving it alongside Creamy Cocoa Cheesecake for a delicious dessert option. It also makes a fantastic dish for overnight guests, allowing you to enjoy leisurely mornings without much fuss.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes. Ensure it's heated all the way through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Sausage Strata contains roughly 514 calories, with 20g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1372mg per serving (60% 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 dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This strata is ideal for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more flavorful dish when baked in the morning.
Can I use whole grain bread instead of white bread?
Yes, whole grain bread can be used as a healthier alternative to white bread. It will add more fiber and nutrients to the dish. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, and you may need to adjust the baking time based on the density of the bread.
What can I serve with Turkey Sausage Strata?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad or some roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, pair it with hash browns or fruit compote. It also complements a nice cup of coffee or tea for a complete brunch experience.
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).