Start your day with a burst of flavor! This Savory Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Strata is your new go-to recipe. Packed with tasty ingredients like breakfast sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, it offers a satisfying meal for any time of day. I’ll guide you through every step, from mixing to baking, ensuring you create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To make a great Savory Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Strata, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups milk
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 slices whole grain bread, cut into cubes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Each item plays a role in creating a hearty and tasty dish. The sausage adds rich flavor, while the spinach brings freshness. Eggs and milk form the creamy base. Bread absorbs all those wonderful flavors. Cheddar and Parmesan give a cheesy finish that you will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparing
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cooking the Sausage and Spinach
– Brown the sausage in a skillet.
– Stir and break it apart until it is cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
– Add the chopped spinach to the skillet.
– Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Mixing the Egg Mixture
– In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
– Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Mix until well combined.
Combining Ingredients
– Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture.
– Then, add the cooked sausage and spinach.
– Gently fold everything together until well mixed.
Baking the Strata
– Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish.
– Spread it out evenly in the dish.
– Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top.
– Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
– The top should be golden, and the strata should be set.
Cooling and Serving
– Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing.
– For a lovely presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
– Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for balance.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Strata
– Use stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can make the strata soggy. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture well.
– Adjust seasoning to your taste. A pinch more salt or pepper can enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve the strata with fresh fruit, like berries or melon. This adds a sweet touch to your meal.
– Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives. This makes the dish look vibrant and appealing.
Reheating and Serving
– To reheat leftovers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until warm.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They last up to 3 days for best quality.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily switch out some ingredients for variety. If you want a leaner option, try using turkey sausage instead of regular sausage. It still packs flavor but with less fat. For cheese, consider using feta or goat cheese. These cheeses add a tangy twist that pairs well with the spinach.
Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative with add-ins. You can throw in other veggies like bell peppers or onions. These add color and crunch. You can also spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. This gives your dish an extra kick.
Serving Styles
This strata is great for any meal. It works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. For portion sizes, I suggest cutting it into squares. Each square is a good serving. You can serve it warm with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
The savory sausage and spinach breakfast strata lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Glass containers work best as they do not absorb odors. If you use plastic, make sure it is BPA-free.
Freezing Tips
To freeze leftovers, let the strata cool completely. Cut it into individual portions for easy reheating. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until hot.
Signs of Spoilage
Look for changes in smell or color. If the strata smells sour or looks discolored, it is best to throw it out. Mold is another clear sign that it has gone bad. Always trust your senses—when in doubt, discard it.
FAQs
What can I substitute for the bread?
You can use gluten-free bread. This keeps the dish tasty for those with gluten issues. For low-carb options, try cauliflower bread or zucchini bread. Both work well and taste great in this dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the strata the night before. Follow the recipe but stop before baking. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time and makes breakfast stress-free.
How long does the strata need to bake?
The strata takes about 30 minutes covered and 15-20 minutes uncovered. Ovens vary, so check it early. You want the top to be golden and the center to set. A toothpick should come out clean when done.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it first and drain the excess water. Squeeze out as much water as you can. This keeps the strata from getting soggy. Mix it with the sausage as you would with fresh spinach.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the strata warm. Garnish it with chopped herbs like parsley or chives. This adds color and flavor. You can also add a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the meal.
In this blog post, we explored a tasty breakfast strata using simple, wholesome ingredients. We broke down each step, from cooking the sausage to baking the dish. Remember to use stale bread for that perfect texture and feel free to mix up ingredients for your taste. Whether you enjoy this for breakfast or dinner, storing leftovers properly ensures you can savor it later. Get creative with your toppings and variations. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
