Go Back
Breakfast Strata
recipesbook24

Italian Breakfast Strata That Will Melt Your Heart

Delight ina savory Breakfast Strata recipe that’s easy, make-ahead, and packed withItalian flavors to start your day deliciously.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: Italian, American-Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 6 cups crusty Italian bread cubed (day-old works best!)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage cooked and crumbled (mild or spicy)
Cheese Layer
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Egg Mixture
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins & Swaps
  • Mushrooms sautéed
  • Sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tang
  • Gluten-free bread if needed
  • Vegetarian sausage to make it meatless
Ingredient Tips
  • Stale bread is your friend: It soaks up the egg mixture without getting soggy. If your bread is fresh cube it and toast in the oven for 10 minutes.
  • Pre-cook your fillings: Sautéing the sausage and veggies first ensures they’re fully cooked and packed with flavor.
  • Mix cheeses for depth: Mozzarella melts beautifully while Parmesan adds a savory, nutty finish.

Method
 

Prep the Bread and Fillings
  1. Cube your bread into bite-sized chunks. If it's fresh, toast it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to dry it out slightly.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft (about 5 minutes), then add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
  4. Remove veggies and cook the Italian sausage in the same pan until browned and cooked through.
Assemble the Layers
  1. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Add half of the bread cubes to the bottom.
  3. Layer on half of the sausage and sautéed vegetables.
  4. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Repeat the layers: bread, sausage and veggies, and cheeses.
Whisk the Egg Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
  2. o Eggs
  3. o Milk
  4. o Garlic powder
  5. o Dried oregano
  6. o Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  7. o A good pinch of salt and pepper
  8. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, gently pressing down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
Refrigerate (If Making Ahead)
  1. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to let everything soak and develop flavor.
Bake the Strata
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Remove the strata from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
  3. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
  4. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 18g