Morning Sausage Strata: A Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Delight

Easy Sausage Strata

Get ready to savor the ultimate strata breakfast casserole with layers of savory sausage, Cheddar cheese, and custardy bread for an effortless morning treat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 9 hours 25 minutes | Servings: 8 servings

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Strata

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the night before and wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast casserole.
• Flavor-Packed Layers: Each bite combines savory pork sausage, sharp Cheddar, and soft, custardy bread for a comforting brunch.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or a lazy weekend morning.

Ingredients for Savory Strata Casserole

• 2 tablespoons cooking spray
• 10 cups cubed day-old bread (Italian or French loaf works best)
• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Easy Sausage Strata

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
3. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar and half of the sausage over the bread. Repeat layers with remaining bread, cheese, and sausage.
4. Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
5. Soak & Chill: Pour the egg custard evenly over the layered strata, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for an indulgent overnight strata.
6. Bake to Perfection: Remove the cover and bake the strata in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
7. Rest & Serve: Let the strata rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Strata

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to prevent a soggy casserole.
• Customize with cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Swap Cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 401 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 207 mg
• Sodium: 1195 mg
• Sugar: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g

With this easy sausage strata, breakfast gatherings and family brunches will be a breeze.