This Italian Breakfast Strata is a yummy dish filled with bread, eggs, cheese, and tasty veggies! It’s like a cozy casserole that’s perfect for brunch with friends or family.
Imagine slicing into a warm, cheesy piece, and realizing you just made everyone’s morning better. I love making this the night before and baking it fresh in the morning. Easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Bread: I love using ciabatta for its crusty texture. You can swap it with any bread you have on hand, like sourdough or even whole grain. Just avoid super soft bread, as it won’t hold up well.
Eggs: The base of this dish! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use egg whites or a combination of whole eggs and egg whites. Just remember, the yolks add richness.
Cheese: Parmesan gives a nice bite, but if you’re short on it, try Pecorino Romano or even a mix of your favorite cheeses. I tend to use more mozzarella for extra creaminess!
Italian Sausage: I often use mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor, but you can substitute it with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even skip it for a vegetarian option. Just add more veggies for depth.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but you could use other greens like kale or Swiss chard. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
How Do I Ensure My Strata is Well-Soaked and Delicious?
Soaking the bread is key to a flavorful strata, and here’s how to do it right:
- After you’ve poured the egg mixture over the bread, gently press it down with a spatula. This helps the bread soak up the delicious egg mixture.
- Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes is super important. If you can, cover and refrigerate it overnight for even better flavor.
- Keep an eye on baking time! The outer edges may brown faster; you want a golden top but a soft, slightly custardy inside.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a fantastic Italian Breakfast Strata that everyone will love!
How to Make Italian Breakfast Strata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 12 ounces) Italian bread or ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
Cheeses:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Meat and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Breakfast Strata will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for baking. If you plan to let it soak in the fridge overnight, it’s an easy and convenient morning dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cooking the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until it’s browned and well cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet with the leftover sausage drippings, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these until they become soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Mixing the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
5. Assembling the Layers:
In your greased baking dish, spread out the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Now, layer the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and peppers, and chopped spinach over the bread.
6. Adding the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and veggie layers. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the egg goodness.
7. Topping Off with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the mixture.
8. Soaking Time:
Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important for allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
9. Baking to Perfection:
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strata is set in the center.
10. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, slice it into squares. If you’d like, garnish each piece with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While Italian bread or ciabatta works great, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough, whole grain, or even brioche. Just avoid very soft bread, as it may turn mushy when baked.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help revive the creaminess!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just follow the assembly instructions and skip the baking until the next morning. If possible, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Sausage?
No worries! You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even skip it entirely for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to add extra veggies to maintain the flavor and texture!
