Sausage and Kale Breakfast Strata: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Casserole
A savory casserole that soaks overnight for effortless, crowd-pleasing brunches.
Few dishes feel more comforting—or crowd-pleasing—than a breakfast strata. This savory, layered casserole combines rich bread, flavorful sausage, healthy greens, mushrooms, eggs, and plenty of cheese. Designed for easy make-ahead prep, it’s the perfect solution for leisurely brunches, holiday mornings, or feeding a crowd. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create a delicious sausage and kale breakfast strata, along with essential tips, step-by-step photos, and mouthwatering variations.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Strata?
- Ingredient List
- Step-by-Step Preparation
- How to Assemble the Strata
- Baking and Serving Tips
- Easy Variations & Substitutions
- Storage & Reheating
- Nutrition Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is a Strata?
Strata is a classic American brunch and breakfast casserole made by layering bread, eggs, cheese, and other savory ingredients. Sometimes referred to as “breakfast bread pudding,” this dish is famous for its custardy texture and adaptability. Stratas are typically assembled ahead of time and chilled overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture before baking. This makes them ideal for entertaining or busy mornings, as most of the work happens the day before .
Sausage-Kale Strata: Ingredient List
For this ultimate breakfast casserole, you’ll need the following:
- Breakfast sausage — Choose your favorite (original, Italian, or spicy).
- Crusty bread — French, Italian, or ciabatta. Ideally, use stale or day-old bread for maximum absorption.
- Kale — Rinsed, torn, and lightly sautéed for tender flavor.
- Mushrooms — Roasted to deepen their savor.
- Eggs — The heart of the custard base.
- Half-and-half or milk — For a rich, creamy consistency.
- Monterey Jack cheese — Melty and mild, or substitute with Gruyère or Swiss.
- Fresh oregano — Chopped finely for a burst of herby flavor.
- Salt and pepper — For basic seasoning.
- Olive oil & butter — For sautéing and greasing the pan.
Optional additions: Parmesan or extra cheese for the topping, onions, bell peppers, or alternative greens like spinach or chard .
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Roast the Mushrooms
- Preheat oven to 425–450ºF.
- Spread sliced mushrooms on a baking sheet; drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring once, until caramelized and fragrant.
- Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Kale
- Tear fresh kale leaves into large pieces and rinse thoroughly.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add kale and sauté for 2 minutes, tossing until it just wilts and shrinks.
- Transfer to a plate and let cool.
3. Cook the Sausage
- In the same skillet, cook sausage patties or links until browned and fully cooked.
- Let cool, then dice or crumble into bite-sized pieces.
4. Prep the Aromatics & Cheese
- Finely mince fresh oregano.
- Cut crusty bread into medium-large cubes.
- Grate the cheese and set aside.
5. Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and half-and-half or milk until thoroughly combined.
- Add salt, pepper, and minced oregano.
How to Assemble the Strata
Creating beautiful, distinct layers is key to a traditional strata. Here’s how to build it:
- Butter a large, deep casserole dish (such as a lasagna pan).
- Add half the cubed bread and spread evenly.
- Top with half the sautéed kale, half the roasted mushrooms, and half the cooked sausage.
- Sprinkle with half the grated cheese.
- Repeat all layers: the rest of the bread, kale, mushrooms, sausage, and cheese.
- Pour the egg and half-and-half mixture slowly and evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring all bread is moistened.
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Tip: For optimal results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This helps the bread fully absorb the custard and melds all flavors together .
Baking and Serving Tips
- Remove the strata from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Cover with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, then uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving. This will help the strata slice neatly and keep its shape.
- Garnish with extra chopped herbs or cheese if desired.
Easy Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Possible Variations |
|---|---|
| Sausage | Bacon, ham, pancetta, turkey sausage, vegetarian alternatives |
| Kale | Spinach, chard, arugula, frozen greens (thawed/squeezed dry) |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Gruyère, Swiss, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, provolone |
| Mushrooms | Omit or substitute bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions |
| Bread | Any sturdy loaf: French, Italian, sourdough, ciabatta, whole grain |
| Herbs | Parsley, basil, thyme, chives, rosemary |
Get creative with leftovers: strata is perfect for using up extra vegetables or meats in your fridge .
Storage & Reheating
- Leftover strata can be stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350ºF oven until hot, or microwave individual slices.
- Strata may be frozen, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
- Calories (per serving): 300–400, depending on ingredients and portion size.
- Protein: Rich, thanks to the sausage, eggs, and cheese.
- Vegetables: Provides a generous serving of greens and mushrooms.
- Carbohydrates: Bread is the main source—choose whole grain for added fiber.
- Gluten-Free Tip: Substitute a sturdy gluten-free bread if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute another green for kale?
Absolutely. Spinach, swiss chard, or even arugula work very well. Be sure to remove tough stems and wilt or sauté hardy greens before layering .
Do I have to use sausage?
No. Try cooked bacon, ham, pancetta, vegetarian sausage, or simply add more vegetables and skip the meat entirely.
How far in advance can I assemble strata?
Strata can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead. Chill, covered, until baking. This overnight rest develops deeper flavor and a better custard texture .
What happens if I bake it right away?
The dish will still turn out, though the bread may be less custardy and more bread-like. An overnight soak is optimal, but a brief rest works too .
Why is my strata soggy?
Too much liquid or not enough stale bread can lead to sogginess. Use day-old bread and avoid oversoaking with the custard. Bake until fully set.
Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free bread and substitute non-dairy milk/cream and vegan cheese for dietary needs.
Bringing It All Together
This sausage and kale breakfast strata is the ultimate breakfast-for-a-crowd dish, combining savory sausage, nutritious greens, fluffy eggs, bread, and cheese in a hearty, make-ahead casserole. Customize it to your preferences, prep it ahead for convenience, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal effortlessly.
Key Tips for Success
- Use sturdy, slightly stale bread to prevent a soggy texture.
- Sauté or roast vegetables before adding for maximum flavor.
- Let the dish rest before serving to set the custard.
- Adjust seasonings and swap in your favorite cheeses and herbs.
Enjoy your next brunch with this easy, flavorful, and customizable make-ahead strata!
References
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