Italian Breakfast Strata
Italian Breakfast Strata is a baked egg casserole layered with bread, cheese, and Italian-seasoned fillings.It is ideal for make-ahead breakfasts and brunch gatherings.The texture is soft and custardy inside with a crisp, golden top.Rich, savory, and satisfying, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly over the bottom.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, bell peppers, and spinach until softened.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers, pressing gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake uncovered at 180°C (350°F) for 40–45 minutes until set and golden.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture and absorption.
- You can substitute sausage with mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Whole milk creates a richer, creamier strata.
- Resting after baking helps the strata set cleanly.
- Fresh herbs can be added for extra flavor.