Italian Breakfast Strata

This hearty and flavorful Italian Breakfast Strata combines layers of crusty bread, savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, all bound together by a rich egg custard. Ideal for brunches, holiday mornings, or make-ahead gatherings, this dish offers a comforting and satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients

For the Strata:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for greasing the pan

• 1/2 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

• 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers

• 5 oz baby spinach leaves

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

• 6 large eggs

• 3 cups whole milk

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 8 cups cubed soft Italian bread (about 1 pound loaf)

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or mozzarella-provolone blend, divided

• Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender and lightly browned. Add the spinach and garlic, and sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.

3. Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crumbled, about 7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a large bowl.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper until well blended.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables and cooked sausage to the egg mixture and stir to combine. Gently fold in the cubed bread and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Let the mixture stand for at least 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

6. Assemble the Strata: Spoon half of the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup of the remaining shredded cheese. Add the remaining bread mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata in the preheated oven until the center is set and the top is golden brown, about 60–70 minutes.

8. Serve: Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with marinara sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 472 kcal

• Total Fat: 33g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 341mg

• Sodium: 1046mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Dietary Fiber: 2g

  • Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 30g

• Vitamin C: 17mg

• Calcium: 462mg

• Iron: 4mg

• Potassium: 768mg