Make Ahead Strata Milano
Elevate your breakfast or brunch spread with this irresistible Make Ahead Strata Milano, a hearty Italian-inspired casserole baked to perfection. This recipe combines layers of crusty Italian bread, savory crumbled sausage, sautéed vegetables including red bell peppers and baby spinach, and a harmonious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The rich, custard-like egg mixture, infused with hints of garlic and oregano, soaks into the bread for ultimate flavor and texture. Best of all, this dish can be prepared the night before, making it an effortless, crowd-pleasing option for holiday mornings or special gatherings. Serve golden and bubbly straight from the oven, paired with a crisp green salad or fresh fruit for a balanced, unforgettable meal. Perfect for meal prep, brunch parties, or casual family breakfasts!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Baby spinach, fresh
- 8 cups Italian bread, cubed (1-inch pieces)
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 large Eggs
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until no longer pink. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and set aside.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, vegetable mixture, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread cubes, sausage, vegetables, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create layers.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and layers in the baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure the bread soaks in the liquid.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7606 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 379.8 g | 487% | |
| Saturated Fat | 165.6 g | 828% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 24.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2390 mg | 797% | |
| Sodium | 15668 mg | 681% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 668.4 g | 243% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 47.8 g | 171% | |
| Total Sugars | 81.5 g | ||
| Protein | 363.8 g | 728% | |
| Vitamin D | 18.1 mcg | 91% | |
| Calcium | 4357 mg | 335% | |
| Iron | 49.6 mg | 276% | |
| Potassium | 5017 mg | 107% | |
*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.
