Breakfast Strata
Start your day with this hearty and flavorful breakfast strata, a savory make-ahead casserole that combines layers of tender day-old bread, rich eggs, and a medley of vibrant ingredients. This easy yet elegant dish is loaded with sautéed spinach, crumbled breakfast sausage, diced bell peppers, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Seasoned with a touch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper, this dish is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or meal prep. With just 20 minutes of prep time and an optional overnight chill for enhanced flavor, this baked breakfast casserole makes mornings deliciously effortless. Serve it warm, paired with fresh fruit or a simple salad, for a meal that’s both satisfying and soul-warming!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread (French or sourdough)
- 8 eggs
- 2.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 pound cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups spinach, fresh and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter and set it aside.
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the crumbled sausage, bell peppers, onion, and spinach evenly over the bread in the baking dish.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and toppings, pressing down lightly with a spatula to ensure all the bread cubes are soaked in the liquid.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. (For better results, you can refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld.)
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strata is puffed and set in the center.
Remove the strata from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow it to set. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1157 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.3 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 287 mg | 96% | |
| Sodium | 2395 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 135.7 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 46.8 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 498 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 687 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
