Are you looking for a delicious and easy breakfast dish? Do you want to impress your family or guests with a hearty and satisfying meal? If so, you should try this recipe for breakfast strata with sausage and mushrooms. A breakfast strata is a baked casserole made with bread, eggs, cheese, and other ingredients. It’s perfect for using up leftover bread and making ahead of time.
Plus, it’s very customizable and versatile. You can add any meat, vegetable, or cheese you like. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a mouthwatering breakfast strata with sausage and mushrooms. It’s one of my favorite combinations, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!
Ingredients
To make this breakfast strata, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
Directions
Here are the steps to make this breakfast strata:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Drain the excess fat and transfer the sausage to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms until browned and tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread half of the bread cubes evenly over the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the bread, then layer the sausage and mushrooms over the cheese. Top with the remaining bread and cheese.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and parsley together. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover all the bread. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and tricks for making the perfect breakfast strata
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best breakfast strata ever:
- Use stale or slightly dried bread for better absorption of the egg mixture. You can toast the bread cubes in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F to dry them out.
- Use any kind of bread you like, such as white, wheat, sourdough, or even croissants or bagels. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- You can use any kind of cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese. You can also mix different cheeses for more flavor and texture.
- You can add any other ingredients you like, such as bacon, ham, spinach, broccoli, peppers, onions, or tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them first and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the casserole.
- You can make the casserole ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well with foil and label it with the date and baking instructions. To bake it from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Variations and substitutions
Here are some ways to vary or substitute the ingredients in this breakfast strata:
- For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and use more mushrooms, or add other vegetables of your choice. You can also use vegetable broth instead of milk for the sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread and flour, or omit the flour and use cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You can also use a gluten-free cheese, such as goat cheese or vegan cheese.
- For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free milk and cheese, such as almond milk and vegan cheese. You can also use oil instead of butter for the sauce.
FAQ
What is the difference between a breakfast strata and a frittata?
A breakfast strata is a baked casserole made with bread, eggs, cheese, and other ingredients, while a frittata is an Italian omelet made with eggs, cheese, and other ingredients, cooked on the stovetop and finished in the oven. A breakfast strata is more filling and hearty, while a frittata is lighter and fluffier.
How do you reheat a breakfast strata?
You can reheat a breakfast strata in the oven or in the microwave. To reheat it in the oven, cover it with foil and bake it at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat it in the microwave, cut it into individual servings and microwave them on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until hot.
How long does a breakfast strata last in the refrigerator?
A breakfast strata can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, as mentioned above.
