If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines savory, cheesy, and just the right hint of sweetness, this Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe is going to become your new weekend obsession. Imagine layers of soft, buttery bread soaked in a rich custard, interwoven with juicy maple-glazed sausage, sharp cheddar, and fragrant herbs—all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, perfect for brunch with friends or a special family breakfast, delivering comfort and flavor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to work in harmony, from the soft bread cubes that soak up custard to the savory sausage and sweet maple syrup that create an unforgettable flavor balance.
- Sandwich bread (King’s Hawaiian preferred): The slightly sweet and soft texture adds a wonderful backdrop that soaks up all the custard perfectly.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Adds a hearty, savory base with a touch of spice that’s beautifully enhanced by maple syrup.
- 100% pure maple syrup: Brings a natural sweetness that complements the sausage and cheddar without overpowering the dish.
- Salted butter: For sautéing the onions and herbs, intensifying their flavors while adding richness.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Infuse the strata with an earthy, aromatic note that brightens the savory ingredients.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when softened and caramelized.
- Garlic paste: A punch of flavor that enhances every bite with its fragrant undertones.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The sharp, melty cheese that binds and flavors the entire strata.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness.
- Large eggs: Create the creamy custard that holds the strata together with a cloud-like texture.
- Half & half: Gives the custard a luscious creaminess without being too heavy.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish just perfectly.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan so the strata bakes evenly and doesn’t stick. Then carefully remove the crusts from your sandwich bread, favoring King’s Hawaiian for its light sweetness and softness. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes, making sure to toss out the end pieces which can sometimes be too dense. Place those fluffy cubes into a large mixing bowl and get ready to build some magic.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Add Maple Syrup
Cook the ground breakfast sausage over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, ensuring it’s perfectly browned and crumbly. Just before removing the sausage from the heat, pour in the maple syrup, letting it bubble for a minute or two. This glaze infuses the sausage with a gentle, sweet warmth, creating a delightful contrast that makes the flavors pop. Transfer the sausage right into your bowl with the cubed bread.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Herbs
Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet to capture those savory sausage drippings. Add fresh thyme sprigs and chopped onion, cooking them until the onions soften into translucent sweetness, about five minutes. Stir in garlic paste for an extra layer of flavor, cooking just until fragrant so it doesn’t burn. Take out the thyme sprigs and mix this aromatic mixture into the bowl with your sausage and bread.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Fresh Parsley
Now, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese alongside chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated with sausage, onions, herbs, and sharp cheddar goodness. Transfer this hearty mix into your prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to create a compact, even layer for soaking up the custard later on.
Step 5: Make and Pour the Custard
Whisk together large eggs, half & half, sea salt, and black pepper until fully combined and silky smooth. This custard is the heart of the strata, soaking into the bread cubes and binding everything while adding richness. Pour it evenly over your bread and sausage mixture, allowing each cube to soak up that creamy goodness.
Step 6: Refrigerate and Bake
Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if you can. This lets the bread fully absorb the custard, resulting in a custardy, tender strata. When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the strata puffs slightly and the top browns to a beautiful golden color. Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting, comforting aroma—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, slice your strata into generous portions. For those who love a little extra sweetness, drizzle a bit more maple syrup on top for a mouthwatering finish that perfectly complements the cheddar and sausage. Now, gather your favorite people, plate this masterpiece, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Top your strata with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese for an irresistible melty crown or scatter some fresh chopped parsley to add a fresh herbal brightness that contrasts with the indulgence. A small drizzle of warm maple syrup on the side invites guests to customize their sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty strata alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Fresh fruit like berries or orange segments also add a refreshing, vibrant touch that brightens up the plate and complements the maple syrup flavors brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch buffet, bake the strata in multiple small ramekins or muffin tins for individual servings that look as charming as they taste. You can also layer in extra veggies like sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a veggie-forward twist. Get playful by serving with toasted artisan bread and flavored butters for a truly memorable spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strata refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, so you might find it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This strata freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for a convenient make-ahead option.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the crust crisp while ensuring the inside stays soft and custardy. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven method is worth the extra effort for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for the strata?
Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian is perfect for its sweetness and softness, you can swap in brioche, sourdough, or even a sturdy white bread. Just make sure to remove the crusts and cut into uniform cubes for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the breakfast sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare the strata?
You can assemble it up to 24 hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This makes it a great choice for busy mornings or entertaining guests without last-minute stress.
Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work beautifully. Just sauté them first to reduce moisture so the strata doesn’t get soggy.
What’s the best way to ensure the strata is cooked through?
Look for a golden brown top that’s puffed slightly, and insert a knife or toothpick into the center to check. It should come out mostly clean with just a bit of custard residue but no runny egg.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or treating yourself on a chilly weekend morning, this dish is sure to warm your heart and fill you up with happiness. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to start the day!
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Sausage Breakfast Strata with Maple Syrup and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage Breakfast Strata is a savory and satisfying casserole perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. It features layers of soft sandwich bread, flavorful cooked sausage glazed with maple syrup, sautéed onions and garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs all soaked in a creamy egg custard. After refrigerating to let the flavors meld, the strata is baked until golden brown and puffed, creating a rich, comforting dish that serves 12.
Ingredients
Strata Base
- 27 ounces sandwich bread (King’s Hawaiian preferred, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean brand)
- â…“ cup 100% pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 yellow onion, chopped (about ¾ to 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (plus optional ½ cup for extra topping, if desired)
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside. Remove the crust from the bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes, discarding the end pieces. Add the cubed bread to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until no longer pink. Pour in the maple syrup and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to glaze the sausage. Transfer the cooked sausage to the mixing bowl with the bread.
- Prepare the Onion Mixture: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt the salted butter. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and chopped onion; sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic paste and cook for 1 more minute, being careful not to burn it. Remove the thyme sprigs and transfer the mixture to the mixing bowl.
- Combine Bread Mixture: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with bread, sausage, and onion mixture. Gently stir and toss everything to combine evenly. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to distribute it evenly.
- Make the Custard: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, half & half, sea salt, and ground black pepper until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate the Strata: Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread and other ingredients to absorb the custard fully, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Bake the Strata: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata for 40 to 50 minutes until it slightly puffs up and the top turns a beautiful golden brown color.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve immediately, optionally drizzling additional maple syrup on top for added sweetness if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use a sturdy sandwich bread like King’s Hawaiian as it holds up well and adds sweetness.
- Refrigerating the assembled strata overnight improves the texture and flavor significantly.
- You can prepare the strata a day in advance and bake it fresh the next morning for convenience.
- Optional extra shredded cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top before baking for a cheesier crust.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if needed; use about 1 teaspoon dried.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread in place of sandwich bread.
- This recipe serves 12, making it perfect for large gatherings or meal prep.
