Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite breakfast dishes: Sausage Strata. This delicious and hearty dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when you have a house full of hungry guests. It’s a savory combination of sausage, cheese, bread, and eggs that will leave you craving for more. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. So, let’s dive right in and discover the joy of Sausage Strata together!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this dish when I want to treat myself to a special breakfast or brunch. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. The sausage adds a savory kick, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. The bread soaks up all the deliciousness, creating a fluffy and satisfying bite. It’s like a breakfast casserole that hugs your taste buds and fills your belly with warmth. My family goes crazy for this because it’s not your ordinary breakfast fare. It’s a dish that brings everyone together and puts a smile on their faces.
Ingredients
Before we get cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need for this mouthwatering Sausage Strata:
– 1 pound of breakfast sausage
– 6 slices of bread (any type you prefer)
– 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups of milk
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Optional substitutions: If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked sausage crumbles instead of cooking the sausage from scratch. You can also switch up the type of cheese or bread to suit your preferences. I sometimes use Swiss cheese or whole wheat bread for a twist.
Directions
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking our Sausage Strata:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Take your slices of bread and cut them into cubes. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the greased baking dish.
4. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the bread cubes, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, sausage, and cheese.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour this egg mixture over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.
7. Gently press down on the top layer to ensure all the bread gets soaked in the egg mixture.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors.
9. When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. Cut into squares and serve warm. It pairs perfectly with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad.
Notes and Variations
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few tips and variations that add even more excitement to this Sausage Strata:
– For a vegetarian option, you can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Trust me, it’s just as delicious!
– If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use individual ramekins or even a muffin tin for cute individual servings.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving Sausage Strata with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. It’s also fantastic with a side of crispy bacon or a stack of fluffy pancakes. Feel free to get creative and pair it with your favorite breakfast sides!
Pro Tips
After making this dish many times, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons that I want to share with you:
– Don’t rush the refrigeration step. Allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully is the secret to a moist and flavorful Sausage Strata.
– If you’re short on time, you can assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. That way, all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and enjoy.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze the Sausage Strata?
A: Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I use different types of meat?
A: Definitely! You can experiment with different types of breakfast meats like bacon or ham. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the dish.
Q: Can I make this without dairy?
A: Of course! You can use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese. The result will still be delicious.
So there you have it – a scrumptious Sausage Strata recipe that will make your breakfasts extra special. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making dishes your own. Happy cooking!
Sausage Strata
A savory and hearty breakfast casserole made with sausage, cheese, bread, and eggs. This delicious dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 slices bread
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Cut the bread slices into cubes and spread half of them evenly in the greased baking dish.
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Layer half of the cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheese over the bread cubes.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, sausage, and cheese.
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Whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
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Press down gently on the top layer to ensure the bread is soaked in the egg mixture.
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Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
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Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm.
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Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.