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
Scale
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.
