Breakfast

Breakfast Strata

Name: Breakfast Strata
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 8 cups cubed bread (about 3/4-inch cubes, from a day-old loaf); 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/2 medium onion, diced; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)

A make-ahead brunch masterpiece: cubed bread layered with cheese, sausage, and vegetables, then bound with a custard of eggs and cream. Bake until golden and set, and you have an impressive, crowd-pleasing dish.

1127calper serving 49gprotein 119gcarbs 50gfat 30min prep 50min cook 8serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Breakfast Strata — common questions

Do I have to make this the night before?

Yes—the overnight refrigeration is essential, not a suggestion. The bread needs at least 8 hours to absorb the egg custard; without it, you'll have dry bread on top and liquid on the bottom.

What can I use instead of sausage?

Crispy bacon (8 slices, crumbled), diced ham, or a combination of vegetables like mushrooms and spinach work beautifully. Keep the total volume roughly the same.

What's the most common mistake?

Underbaking it. The center must be fully set—if it jiggles, it needs more time. Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top is deep golden brown.

Can I use a different bread?

Yes, any sturdy bread works—sourdough, Italian, or even brioche. Avoid soft white bread or it will disintegrate. Whole grain adds nice texture and nutrition.

What do I serve with a strata?

A simple green salad, fresh fruit, or bacon on the side. Coffee or mimosas complete the brunch spread.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or cover and microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. It's also delicious eaten cold from the refrigerator.