Sunday Morning Egg Sausage Strata Made Easy
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever wake up craving a proper breakfast but dreading the morning chaos? Me too! That’s why I'm sharing my go-to recipe: Sunday Morning Egg & Sausage Strata (Made Easy!).
It is one of those make-ahead egg dishes for those lazy mornings. It tastes like happiness.
This hearty strata is like a breakfast bread pudding. Think savory sausage, tangy cheddar, and a creamy egg base. It's comfort food with minimal effort, perfect for a crowd or a satisfying solo feast.
The Story Behind the Strata
The strata, originating as a humble bread pudding, has morphed into a breakfast superstar. It is so good! My version? Well, it's simple.
Prep takes about 20 minutes, plus an hour (or overnight!) for chilling. Cooking time is about 45- 55 minutes. The easy breakfast casserole serves 6-8 hungry folks.
Why You'll Love This Strata
It's packed with protein to keep you full all morning. It is ideal for brunch with friends, or a pre-made breakfast ideas to serve to the family.
What makes this recipe special? The overnight chill, seriously! It's the secret to that luscious, creamy texture.
Cuppa Ingredients, Guv'nor!
Let's gather our bits and bobs. You'll need sausage, onion, peppers, eggs, milk, cream, bread, and cheese. Don't forget the spices.
I find Italian seasoning and garlic powder do wonders. Get a 9x13 inch baking dish ready. Also you can prepare this overnight egg bake .
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Sunday Morning Egg Extravaganza
Let's dive into what you'll need to make-ahead egg dishes for a truly smashing breakfast! I'm talking about our Sunday Morning Egg & Sausage Strata (Made Easy!) .
This isn't your average egg bake; it's a proper make-ahead breakfast casserole that'll have everyone singing your praises. Honestly, this egg strata recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up! And trust me, that's saying something.
Main Ingredients for this Overnight Egg Bake
Here's your shopping list, guv'nor! This recipe is simple and flexible.
- Sausage: 1 pound (450g) of breakfast sausage. Get the good stuff! Look for sausage that's plump, smells fresh, and doesn't have a weird greyish tinge.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Extra virgin gives a richer flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Yellow onions are the classic choice.
- Bell Pepper: 1 green , chopped. Adds a lovely crunch and sweetness.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . It's that essential aromatic touch.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Can't go wrong with garlic!
- Eggs: 8 large . Free range if you can swing it.
- Milk: 2 cups (475ml) . Whole milk makes it extra decadent.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Aka double cream, for that velvety texture.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Don't skip this!
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Optional, but gives a warm, comforting note.
- Bread: 8 slices , cubed. Slightly stale bread works best. I'm a bit old school so that's how I do it!
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Sharp cheddar is my go-to.
Seasoning Notes: A Right Proper Selection!
We're aiming for a savory explosion here. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder are essential spice combinations . The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
Nutmeg gives this savory breakfast casserole an interesting layer of flavor. For substitutions, use dried oregano and basil if you're out of Italian seasoning.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You really don't need much for this easy breakfast casserole .
- Large Skillet: For browning the sausage. A non-stick one makes life easier.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is the sweet spot.
- Whisk: For the egg mixture.
- Mixing Bowls: For, well, mixing!
Fancy equipment isn't needed. You can use a potato masher to break up the sausage if you don't have a spoon.
make-ahead breakfast is great and easy to whip up with minimum equipment.
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
Or, you can even freeze it for a later date a truly freezer friendly breakfast .
Sunday Morning Egg & Sausage Strata (Made Easy!)
Honestly, mornings are rough . Who has time to cook a proper breakfast? That's where this Sunday Morning Egg & Sausage Strata comes in! It's a total lifesaver.
It's like a savoury bread pudding, but for breakfast. Think cheesy, sausage-y goodness, all baked into one dish. Perfect for a lazy Sunday or any day you want something special.
Plus, it's insanely easy to make-ahead.
Here's your cuppa , guv'nor!
- make-ahead breakfast casserole
- Egg strata recipe
- Overnight egg bake
- Breakfast casserole with sausage
- Easy breakfast casserole
- make-ahead brunch recipes
- Freezer friendly breakfast
- Egg bake for a crowd
- Pre-made breakfast ideas
- Savory breakfast casserole
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!
First, the essential mise en place : chop the onion and pepper, crumble the sausage, and cube the bread. Honestly, I sometimes buy pre-chopped veggies to save even more time!
Time saving organization: Brown the sausage and veggies the night before and store them in the fridge. That way, all you have to do in the morning is assemble and bake.
Boom! You can even make-ahead egg dishes for busy week.
step-by-step Process: As Easy as Sunday Morning
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat. Crumble it as it cooks. Drain off any grease.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, mustard, and nutmeg (if using) together in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half the bread, sausage mixture, and cheese in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Repeat the layers.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything. Gently press down so the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour , or preferably overnight .
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 55 minutes , or until golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Strata Game
- The overnight chill is key! Don't skip it. It lets the bread soak up all that eggy goodness.
- Use slightly stale bread . It soaks up the egg mixture better.
- Common mistake alert : Don't overbake it! You want it set but still moist.
Recipe Notes: Sunday Morning Strata Sorted!
So, you're about to whip up this amazing Sunday Morning Egg & Sausage Strata . Brilliant choice! But before you dive in, let's run through a few little things to make sure it's absolutely perfect.
Think of these as your cheat sheet to breakfast bliss.
Plating and Presentation
Right, presentation matters, even if you’re just serving yourself! Don't just plonk a big slab of the breakfast casserole with sausage on a plate.
Instead, cut a nice square. Garnish with a sprig of parsley. Boom! Instant culinary masterpiece. Fancy a bit of colour? Add some fresh berries.
Serve alongside a pot of freshly brewed coffee, and you've got yourself a proper make-ahead brunch recipes spread.
Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips
Honestly, if there’s any left (doubtful!), store it properly. Cover the baking dish tightly with cling film and pop it in the fridge.
It'll keep happily for up to 3 days. Need longer? Cut into portions and freeze. Defrost overnight in the fridge, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Just ensure it's piping hot all the way through, especially with eggs involved.
Mix It Up: Variations
Fancy a change? Swap the cheddar for Gruyere for a posh twist. Or, ditch the sausage and add some roasted veggies for a veggie egg strata recipe .
Got a gluten dodger in the house? Easy peasy, use gluten-free bread. Just double check that sausage for sneaky gluten ingredients, mind.
Fuel Up: Nutrition Basics
Right, let's keep it real. This strata isn’t exactly health food. But hey, it's got protein, carbs, and a bit of dairy.
Everything in moderation, right? Plus, you're getting some vitamins from the veggies. If you're watching your waistline, maybe go easy on the portion size and load up on that side salad.
And there you have it. The lowdown on perfecting our overnight egg bake . Don't be scared to experiment, and most importantly, have fun.
I know that getting ahead of the game with pre-made breakfast ideas like make-ahead egg dishes for the family are important to you.
The best part? You can prep this the night before! Seriously, make-ahead breakfast casserole recipes are game changers. This easy breakfast casserole recipe will become your new go-to.
The best part about this recipe is how freezer friendly breakfast options like this, are essential for busy mornings! I know you'll smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make this the night before? I'm a bit of a sceptic!
Absolutely! The beauty of this "Sunday Morning Egg & Sausage Strata (Made Easy!)" recipe is that it's designed to be assembled ahead of time. Letting it chill in the fridge overnight allows the bread to soak up all that delicious egg mixture, resulting in a perfectly creamy and flavorful bake.
Think of it like letting a good stew develop its flavours time is your friend here!
What if I don't have sausage? Can I substitute something else in these make-ahead egg dishes for breakfast?
No worries, you can definitely adapt! Cooked bacon or diced ham are excellent substitutes for the sausage. For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes would be a fantastic addition. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to complement your chosen ingredients.
Help! My strata is browning too quickly in the oven. What do I do?
This happens sometimes, especially if your oven runs a little hot. Simply tent the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent the top from over browning. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and get golden brown. Think of it as giving your strata a little hat!
How long will leftovers last, and what's the best way to reheat them?
Leftover strata will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. For reheating, you can microwave individual portions, but for the best texture, I recommend reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps retain that lovely, slightly crisp top.
A quick zap in the microwave is fine, but oven reheating prevents it from going rubbery.
Is this strata healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
The nutritional profile of this strata depends on the ingredients you use. It is fairly calorie dense with higher fat content. Using leaner sausage, low-fat milk, and reducing the cheese can help lower the calorie and fat content. Portion control is also key!
A side salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance out the richness.
Can I freeze this strata for even longer make-ahead goodness?
You can indeed! Let the baked strata cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It might lose a little texture, but it's still a great option for a quick breakfast!
Sunday Morning Egg Sausage Strata Made Easy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |