Breakfast Mushroom and Spinach Sausage Strata Recipe

Introduction

Breakfast strata is a hearty, savory casserole perfect for starting your day with a flavorful and satisfying meal. Packed with sausage, mushrooms, spinach, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish combines simple ingredients into a comforting baked delight.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with a baked casserole made of three main layers: the bottom layer is soft, soaked bread pieces in a golden yellow color, the middle layer is a mix of wilted dark green spinach and brown cooked mushrooms, and the top layer has larger toasted bread cubes with crispy browned edges scattered unevenly. The dish has a slightly browned and textured crust on top where the ingredients merge. A gold spoon inside the casserole scoops up a mix of the soft bread pieces with the spinach and mushrooms, showing visible green and brown bits throughout. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a beige checked cloth to one side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 pound crumbled breakfast sausage, cooked and fat drained
  • 8 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 12 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown. Add the thawed and drained spinach and cook briefly until wilted. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add the cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage and the cubed crusty bread to the mushroom and spinach mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage mixture. Toss gently until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to let the bread absorb the custard.
  5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or 4-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the chilled strata mixture to the dish and spread evenly.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set without any jiggle.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the strata cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra mushrooms or your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
  • Swap cheddar cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • Make the strata the night before and refrigerate overnight for a convenient morning bake.

Storage

Store leftover strata covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore some crispness.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with a layered dish consisting of golden brown toasted bread chunks mixed with cooked mushrooms, bits of ground meat, and wilted dark green spinach leaves; the textures vary from crispy on the bread edges to soft and creamy inside, with herb flecks scattered throughout. The bowl is beige with small brown speckles and holds a silver spoon lifting a scoop of the mixture, all sitting on a white marbled surface next to a white cloth with orange stripes and fringes. In the upper corner, part of another bowl with similar contents is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this strata ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the strata and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes morning preparation simple.

Can I use different types of bread?

Absolutely. Rustic or crusty breads like sourdough, French bread, or Italian bread work best because they hold up well when soaked and baked.

Print
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Breakfast Mushroom and Spinach Sausage Strata Recipe


  • Author: Aiden
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This hearty Breakfast Strata combines sauteed mushrooms and spinach with savory breakfast sausage and crusty bread, all soaked in a flavorful cheesy egg custard. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, this dish makes a delightful and filling morning meal suitable for a family breakfast or brunch gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Meat

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 pound crumbled breakfast sausage, cooked and fat drained

Base

  • 8 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Egg Mixture

  • 12 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Other

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pan spray for greasing baking dish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Mushrooms and Spinach: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to brown. Add 10 ounces of thawed and drained frozen spinach and sauté briefly until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add 1 pound of cooked and drained crumbled breakfast sausage and 8 cups of diced crusty bread cubes to the bowl with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Toss to combine evenly.
  3. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, ½ teaspoon thyme, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. Stir in 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
  4. Combine and Chill: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the bread mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
  5. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a 9×13 inch or 4-quart baking dish lightly with pan spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the chilled strata mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly when gently shaken.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the strata from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the strata to set further for easier serving.

Notes

  • Drain spinach well to avoid a soggy strata.
  • Use day-old crusty bread for best absorption without becoming mushy.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with other flavorful melting cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella.
  • Customize seasoning to taste by adding herbs like parsley or replacing thyme with rosemary.
  • Cover leftovers and refrigerate; they can be reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Breakfast Strata, breakfast casserole, baked eggs, sausage casserole, mushroom spinach strata, cheesy strata, brunch recipe

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