Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Italian Breakfast Strata that is not only easy to make but perfect for any occasion. Layers of Italian bread, sausage, spinach, and cheese come together in this savory breakfast casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors with a perfect blend of Italian seasonings.
- Quick prep time, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
Ingredient Notes:
- Italian or French bread: Provides a sturdy base for the casserole.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Italian sausage: Adds a savory kick to the dish.
- Spinach: Adds a healthy green element.
- Eggs and milk: Bind the ingredients together.
- Fontina or fontal cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook sausage and onions until browned.
- Add seasonings and spinach, cook until wilted.
- Layer bread in the baking dish, top with sausage mixture.
- Whisk eggs, milk, and salt together, pour over the casserole.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake until set.
Helpful Tips:
- Let the strata sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Try using different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
- Customize the strata with your favorite veggies or meats for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Italian Breakfast Strata with a side of fresh fruit salad and a cup of hot coffee for a complete breakfast spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the sausage or substitute with plant-based sausage.
- Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, any sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta will work.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, assemble the strata without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Can I add extra veggies? Absolutely, feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes for added flavor.
Conclusion:
Don’t miss out on trying this flavorful and satisfying Italian Breakfast Strata that is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation. Share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish!
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Italian Breakfast Strata
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Breakfast Strata is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a weekend brunch. Layers of Italian sausage, spinach, and fontina cheese are combined with bread and eggs to create a delicious savory casserole.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf Italian or French bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 pound baby spinach
- 12 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 cups milk
- 8 ounces fontina or fontal cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Cut the bread into cubes and spread them in the prepared baking dish.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, onion, herbs, and spices. Cook until sausage is browned and onion is tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the sausage mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and milk. Pour this mixture over the sausage and bread. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the strata is set and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the strata cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
- You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg