Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe

why make this recipe

Martha Stewart’s Breakfast Strata is a fantastic way to start your day. It’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. This dish is great for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a warm, hearty breakfast. The combination of savory sausage, rich cheese, and fluffy bread soaked in a creamy custard makes for a comforting meal. Plus, you can prepare it the night before, making mornings a breeze.

how to make Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork breakfast sausage
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 lb sturdy white bread, cubed and stale
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Prepare fillings: Cook the sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Layer ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch dish, layer half of the bread cubes, followed by the sausage mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat these layers again.
3. Add custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish. Press down gently to help the bread soak up the liquid.
4. Chill overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata for 50-60 minutes, or until it is puffed, golden, and set in the middle. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

how to serve Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata

Serve the strata warm, cut into squares. It pairs well with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can also add a nice touch.

how to store Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.

tips to make Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata

• Use stale bread for better texture. Fresh bread can become mushy.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like feta or Gruyère, for a twist on flavor.
• Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.

variation (if any)

You can customize the strata by adding cooked vegetables, using different types of sausage, or substituting gluten-free bread for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs

1. Can I make this strata without sausage?
Yes! You can leave out the sausage or replace it with cooked bacon or vegetables for a vegetarian option.

2. How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze the strata?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked strata before baking. Just cover it well and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, add a bit of extra time to the baking process.

4. Do I have to chill it overnight?
Chilling overnight is recommended to allow the bread to soak up the custard. However, if you’re short on time, you can let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

5. What can I serve with Breakfast Strata?
It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad. You can also serve it with a side of pancakes or waffles for a more indulgent breakfast.

Breakfast Strata

A hearty and comforting breakfast dish featuring layers of savory sausage, cheese, and bread, soaked in a creamy custard. Perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch or holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 1 lb pork breakfast sausage Can substitute with cooked bacon or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

For the Strata

• 1 lb sturdy white bread, cubed and stale Use stale bread for better texture.
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
• 8 large eggs
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Layering

1. In a greased 9x13-inch dish, layer half of the bread cubes, followed by the sausage mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat these layers again.

Adding Custard

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish. Press down gently to help the bread soak up the liquid.

Chilling

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata for 50-60 minutes, or until it is puffed, golden, and set in the middle. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, cut into squares, and pair with fresh fruit or a light salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can also add a nice touch. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through.