Hearty Breakfast Strata Recipe: Perfect for Brunch or Meal Prep

There’s something comforting about waking up to a warm, cheesy Breakfast Strata. The combination of savory sausage, rich eggs, and spinach layered over crusty bread makes it an irresistible dish for breakfast or brunch. The melted cheese that bubbles up during baking is a surefire way to please any crowd. Whether you're serving this dish for a special family gathering or prepping meals for the week, this Breakfast Strata delivers on flavor, texture, and ease.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

This dish became a staple in my kitchen after I tried it from the amazing website Insanely Good Recipes. Now, I can't help but share this delight with all of you. Plus, it’s versatile and can be made ahead, which is perfect for busy mornings.

A Bit of Backstory:

Breakfast Strata has long been a favorite in American kitchens, especially for those who love a hearty, one-dish meal. Traditionally, strata is made by layering bread, eggs, cheese, and additional fillings, like vegetables or meat. The concept originated as a way to use up day-old bread, making it a fantastic way to reduce food waste while feeding the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups (1-inch) cubed crusty bread, such as sourdough or French bread
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 12 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Layer: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through, which should take about 8 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the sausage and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.
4. Assemble the Strata: Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar and all of the Gruyere cheese on top.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
6. Chill Time: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the strata for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the strata out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Uncover the dish and bake for 60-70 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
8. Serve: Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Cooking Tips:

• Make Ahead: This strata is ideal for preparing the night before. Simply refrigerate it overnight, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to pop into the oven in the morning.
• Customizable Fillings: Don’t have sausage on hand? Try using bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms. You can also swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard to add a different flavor.
• Cheese Choices: If you’re not a fan of Gruyere, try using Swiss cheese or even Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.

Suggested Pairings:

This Breakfast Strata pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon on the side, or a light, refreshing green salad if serving for brunch. For a heartier morning meal, serve with roasted potatoes or hash browns.

Final Thoughts:

Did you enjoy this Cheesy Sausage & Spinach Breakfast Strata? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share it with your friends! Follow me for more delicious recipes, and I can’t wait to bring you more family-friendly dishes that are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.