Italian Breakfast Strata
|

Italian Breakfast Strata

ByLily Carter
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Indulge in the savory and comforting flavors of this Italian Breakfast Strata. Perfect for brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. The combination of Italian sausage, spinach, and fontina cheese creates a delicious and hearty flavor profile.
  2. This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
  3. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy mornings.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Large loaf Italian or French bread: Provides a sturdy base for the dish.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the ingredients.
  • Italian sausage: Adds a savory and flavorful element.
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
  • Fontina or fontal cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cook the Italian sausage and onion in a skillet until browned.
  3. Add the spices and spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and milk.
  5. Layer the bread, sausage mixture, and cheese in the baking dish.
  6. Pour the egg mixture over the layers and let it sit for 30 minutes.
  7. Bake until golden and set.

Helpful Tips:

  • Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
  • Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Allow the strata to rest before baking to ensure the bread absorbs the flavors.
  2. Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best taste.
  3. Experiment with different herbs and spices for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Italian Breakfast Strata with a side of fresh fruit, a simple salad, and a mimosa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Italian Breakfast Strata

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make this dish vegetarian? – Yes, simply omit the Italian sausage or replace it with a meat alternative.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? – Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar.
  3. Can I prepare this dish the night before? – Yes, assemble the strata the night before and bake it in the morning.
  4. Can I freeze this dish? – Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Italian Breakfast Strata as a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your feedback with friends and family. Buon appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Italian Breakfast Strata

Italian Breakfast Strata

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This savory Italian Breakfast Strata is a delicious make-ahead dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of crusty bread, flavorful Italian sausage, sautéed spinach, and gooey fontina cheese are soaked in a rich egg custard before baking to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bread Mixture:

    • 1 large loaf Italian or French bread
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more to grease baking dish

Sausage and Spinach Mixture:

    • 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

Egg Custard:

  • 12 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 cups milk
  • 8 ounces fontina or fontal cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cube the bread and spread it out on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until slightly dried out.
  2. Cook Sausage and Onion: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add diced onion and spices, cooking until onion is softened.
  3. Prepare Spinach: Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
  4. Assemble Strata: Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Layer half of the bread cubes, sausage mixture, and cheese in the dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  5. Make Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and milk. Pour over the bread mixture, pressing down to ensure everything is soaked.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set and golden.
  7. Serve: Let the strata cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning.
  • Feel free to customize the ingredients with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Avatar photo

Similar Posts