Wake Up to Flavor: Italian Sausage Breakfast Strata

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This hearty breakfast strata combines Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and crusty bread into a delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

A breakfast strata is the ultimate brunch casserole, bringing together all your favorite breakfast ingredients in one delicious dish. Think of it as a savory bread pudding meets frittata – cubes of crusty bread soaked in an egg custard, layered with Italian sausage, vegetables, and plenty of cheese.

A white casserole dish with a baked breakfast strata made with sausage, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. — Bringing the taste of Italy to your breakfast table is now easier than ever! Dive into layers of cheesy goodness and succulent Italian sausage for a tasty sausage strata.

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🗝️ Recipe’s key points

This dish strata can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings!
The mix of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted Fontina cheese makes a filling dish. It is enough to feed a crowd of hungry guests.
This recipe uses classic Italian ingredients. You can easily change it with different meats, cheeses, and vegetables. This way, it can match your family’s tastes.
Like traditional Italian casseroles, this dish tastes better the next day. The flavors have time to blend together.

This breakfast strata recipe uses classic Italian ingredients. It includes ground Italian sausage, fresh basil, and Fontina cheese. This gives a Mediterranean twist to the traditional breakfast casserole.

🛒 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

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Bread – is the base of the strata. Use day-old bread for the best results.
Italian sausage – adds flavor and makes the dish hearty.
Eggs – bind everything together.
Whole milk – makes the strata creamy and rich.
Fontina cheese – melts beautifully and has great flavor.
Spinach – adds color and nutrition.
Baby Bella mushrooms – give a nice earthy taste.
Grape tomatoes – brighten up the dish.
Basil – for garnish and fresh flavor.
Butter – for greasing the pan.
Salt and pepper – season to taste.

🗒 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

The First collage features the first four steps to making the breakfast egg casserole.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add the Italian sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles.
Cook the sausage until browned (about 7 minutes). Set aside to cool.
Break the eggs into a large bowl.
Add milk, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the eggs.

The second collage has steps five through eight with the instructions for Breakfast Sausage Bake.

Whisk together the egg mixture until smooth.
Gently fold the cubed bread, 1 cup of Fontina cheese, spinach, and mushrooms into the egg mixture.
Add the tomatoes and cooled sausage and stir gently to combine.
Pour everything into your prepared baking dish.

Collage number three has the final two steps to baking the sausage strata recipe.

Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and no liquid remains.

🥫 Storage

Store leftover breakfast strata in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave until hot. Cover a larger portion with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

While you can freeze breakfast strata for up to 2 months, the texture may change slightly when thawed. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This breakfast strata is perfect for entertaining since you can prepare it the night before. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, remove from the fridge while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

A spatula removes a square of the breakfast strata from the casserole dish. — A breakfast strata is the ultimate brunch solution for anyone who craves a gourmet start to their day.

📚 Variations

Extra Protein: Add crispy bacon pieces along with the Italian sausage for an even heartier breakfast strata. You can also use ham or turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
Reduced Fat: Make this breakfast strata lighter by using turkey sausage and low-fat milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim varieties.
Vegetarian: Skip the sausage altogether and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. You might want to sauté the vegetables first for better flavor.
Cheese Options: Fontina adds an Italian touch to this strata. You can also use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese. Try mixing two different kinds of cheese for a more complex flavor.
Different Bread: Though we love sourdough in this recipe, you can use any sturdy bread you have on hand. French bread, Italian bread, or even whole grain bread work well – just make sure it’s a day old.

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips

For best texture, use day-old bread. Fresh bread can make your breakfast strata too mushy.
Be sure to drain the defrosted spinach really well. Extra moisture can make your strata soggy.
Let the sausage cool slightly before adding it to the egg mixture. If it’s too hot, it might start cooking the eggs.
When layering the strata, make sure all the bread gets coated in the egg mixture. Dry spots won’t have the right texture.
If baking right after assembly, let the mixture sit for at least an hour to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
Cover the strata with foil if the top starts browning too quickly during baking.
Let the strata rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to serve and helps it hold its shape better.

Baking dish with two squares of baked breakfast strata removed and placed on serving plates. — A breakfast strata goes great with other breakfast favorites like crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or a light salad. This makes for a well-rounded meal.

🤔 FAQs

What’s the difference between a breakfast casserole and a strata?

While both are egg-based dishes, a strata always includes layers of bread as a key ingredient. A breakfast casserole might use potatoes, grits, or no starch at all as its base.

What does strata mean in food?

Strata means “layers” in Italian. This breakfast dish gets its name because it’s made with layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and other ingredients.

Why does a strata have to sit overnight?

While it doesn’t have to sit overnight, letting it rest allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture completely. An hour is the minimum, but overnight creates the best texture.

Can egg strata be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze a baked egg strata for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, wrap it well, and store it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can breakfast casserole be frozen before baking?

Yes, you can freeze this strata before baking. Assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Looking for more easy, savory breakfast dishes? You’ll love these!

Overhead view of the breakfast strata recipe completed with a serving on a white plate. — Say goodbye to dull morning routines, thanks to this Italian-flavored breakfast strata recipe.

🍽 What to serve with Breakfast Strata

I enjoy serving this breakfast strata recipe with a fresh fruit salad on the side. The sweetness balances the savory Italian flavors perfectly.

When I’m hosting a bigger brunch, I’ll add some crispy hash browns and warm pastries to the table.

And of course, don’t forget the coffee! A hot pot of coffee or a selection of juices makes this breakfast complete.

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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.

9×13-inch baking dish – for assembling and baking the strata
Large skillet – we use this for cooking the sausage
Large mixing bowl – for combining the egg mixture
Whisk – for beating the eggs and milk together
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements
Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables and bread
Wooden spoon – for breaking up the sausage while cooking

📞 Chiacchierata (chat)

Ecco (There you have it)! This Italian Sausage Breakfast Strata isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little holiday gift for your busy mornings. Imagine sipping your coffee while the strata bakes, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Then, when you serve it, watch the smiles as everyone digs into those hearty, cheesy layers. It’s dishes like this that make holiday gatherings even more special. So, whether you’re hosting family or treating yourself, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.

Now, let’s roll up our maniche (sleeves), start cooking, and enjoy sharing this comfort food masterpiece with everyone at our table. Buon Appetito!

Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!

Side view of the sausage strata on a white plate with black coffee in a glass mug and berries in a bowl. — Make your brunch game strong with this Italian Sausage Breakfast Strata recipe — your friends and family will thank you later.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

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📖 Recipe