Make-Ahead Breakfast Strata with Sausage
If you love hosting brunch, this make-ahead challah strata is a must. Tender cubes of bread soak up a savory custard with sausage and herbs, then bake into a golden, fluffy casserole. Prep it the day before and simply pop it in the oven before guests arrive. A dream for weekends and holidays alike.
Pin Recipe
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 383kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ lb breakfast sausage, thinly sliced into ¼-inch pieces OR casings removed
- 1 medium sweet onion, peeled and cut into half moon slices
- 6 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup white cheddar, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the sausage. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, then cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a large mixing bowl, leaving grease in skillet.
- Cook the veggies. While still hot, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook 4-6 minutes, or until beginning to brown and soften, stirring occasionally. If the pan is dry, add 1-2 Tbsp more of olive oil. Stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh sage, then mix well. Pour this into the bowl with the sausage, then add the cubed challah bread on top.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, 1 tsp Kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Mix the cheeses. Place 1 cup shredded white cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Stir well.
- Stir everything together. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and veggies along with all except for ¼ cup of the cheese, then stir until very well mixed. Reserve remaining cheese.
- Assemble the strata. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray (or with a few tablespoons of unsalted butter). Pour the strata mixture inside, then use a spatula to spread into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap then refrigerate overnight (or at least ~1 hour).
- Bake the breakfast strata. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove plastic wrap, sprinkle the strata with remaining cheese, then bake for 30 minutes, or until light golden brown around the edges and the top is bubbling. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance.
- If baking from frozen, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 2mg
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