Cheese Sausage Strata is a comforting and savory breakfast casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for a stress-free morning. This dish layers hearty bread cubes, flavorful sausage, and plenty of cheese in a rich egg custard, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s both warm and filling. As it bakes, the strata puffs up beautifully, with the bread soaking up all the flavors and the cheese melting into gooey perfection. Whether served for a special brunch, a holiday morning, or simply as a make-ahead breakfast, Cheese Sausage Strata is sure to be a hit with its combination of cheesy goodness and savory sausage in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or sourdough works well)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite herb)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. If using, add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
- Assemble the Strata:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cooked sausage mixture and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour Over the Strata:
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Chill (Optional):
- For best results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, you can bake it immediately.
- Bake the Strata:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If refrigerated, remove the strata from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve:
- Remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Cheese Sausage Strata is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Its layers of savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy bread soaked in rich custard make it a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
