This Italian Breakfast Strata is a fun and tasty dish perfect for brunch! It’s made with layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and yummy veggies. Easy to make and bake, it fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma.
I love making this strata on lazy weekends. You can prepare it the night before, which means more sleep in the morning! Just pop it in the oven and enjoy a warm, cheesy slice. Yum! 🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Bread: Stale or toasted Italian bread works best as it holds up during baking. If you don’t have Italian bread, use French bread or sourdough. Just make sure it’s a bit dry to soak up the egg mixture without getting too soggy.
Eggs: Large eggs give the best texture. You can use egg substitutes if you’re looking for a lighter option or to meet dietary restrictions.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor, but you can use 2% or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free. Just remember to check if it’s unsweetened!
Cheese: Mozzarella is melty and delicious, but you can mix it up with provolone or Monterey Jack for a different twist. For a sharper taste, try adding some cheddar.
Italian Sausage: If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. You can skip the meat entirely and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies for a vegetarian version.
How Do I Get Creamy, Not Watery, Layers in My Strata?
To achieve the perfect creamy strata, focus on the egg and milk mixture. Whisk them together thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps the strata rise. The key is to let the bread soak overnight; this absorbs the liquid and keeps it from becoming runny.
- Press the bread down gently with your hands after pouring in the egg mixture to ensure it absorbs well.
- Make sure the layering is even, distributing the ingredients well for a balanced flavor, and you won’t have any areas that are too dry or too wet after baking.
Remember, letting it rest before baking helps everything meld together. Enjoy this hearty dish with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad for a balanced meal!
Italian Breakfast Strata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strata:
- 8 cups cubed Italian bread (preferably slightly stale or toasted)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled (or substitute with bacon or pancetta)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Breakfast Strata takes approximately 20 minutes for preparation and about 40-50 minutes for baking. If you decide to refrigerate it overnight to soak, that will add some time, but it makes for an easier morning! So, in total, expect around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes of active time, plus resting overnight if preferred.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with some butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking.
2. Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook this mixture until the sausage is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Finally, add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it’s wilted. When done, remove this mixture from the heat and set aside.
3. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Layering the Strata:
Now, let’s start layering! Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish. After that, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the bread. Next, evenly distribute half of the cooked sausage and spinach mixture over this cheese layer.
5. Finishing the Layers:
Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, sausage spinach mixture, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Make sure it’s all spread out nicely.
6. Adding the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire strata. Don’t forget to press down gently on the bread with your hands to help it soak up the liquid. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Chilling the Strata:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time! This allows the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors.
8. Baking the Strata:
When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil and place the strata in your preheated oven. Bake for about 40-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set in the center.
9. Serving:
Once baked, allow the strata to cool for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice. Then, serve warm and enjoy your delicious Italian Breakfast Strata!
This hearty dish filled with savory sausage, fresh spinach, and rich cheeses will make your breakfast unforgettable. Dive in and enjoy!
Can I Use Different Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian bread works best, you can use French bread, sourdough, or even whole grain bread. Just ensure it’s slightly stale or toasted to prevent the strata from getting soggy.
Is It Necessary to Refrigerate the Strata Overnight?
While it’s not strictly necessary, refrigerating the strata overnight allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, which enhances the flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, letting it rest for at least an hour will still work, but the final dish may be a bit firmer.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and replace it with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also add extra spinach for a nutrient boost!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or a bit of cheese on top before reheating to keep it moist!
