This Overnight Italian Breakfast Strata is a tasty mix of bread, eggs, cheese, and veggies, all soaked overnight with flavorful Italian spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for brunch!
You can prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning. It feels a bit fancy, but really, it’s just a cheesy hug on a plate! I love adding extra cheese on top because, why not? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Bread: Using day-old Italian bread is best because it absorbs the egg mixture well without falling apart. If you don’t have Italian bread, a sturdy French bread or sourdough works too!
Italian Sausage: I really like using Italian sausage for its flavor. If you want a lighter option, try turkey sausage or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version—just add more veggies!
Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic for its stretchiness, but if you’re looking for alternatives, cheeses like fontina or gouda are great choices. Parmesan adds a nice sharpness, but pecorino works too!
Spinach & Tomatoes: Fresh spinach is perfect here, but kale or any leafy green works just as well. You can swap out cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers or even zucchini for variety.
How Do I Make Sure My Strata Is Set and Fluffy?
Getting that perfect fluffy texture is all about the soaking and baking process. The key is ensuring bread absorbs the egg custard well overnight. Pressing down on the layers helps!
- Cook sausage until browned, letting it cool a bit before adding to the dish.
- After pouring the custard, use a spatula to press the bread down gently. This ensures every piece gets soaked.
- When baking, keep an eye on it; it should be puffed and golden. Let it sit for about 10 mins before cutting—this helps it hold its shape!
Overnight Italian Breakfast Strata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Strata:
- 6 cups Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably a day or two old)
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil or butter, for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time and then you’ll need to let it chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours overnight. The next morning, it will take around 45-55 minutes to bake. So, all in all, plan for about 9 hours of total time (most of it chilling in the fridge!). Perfect for a make-ahead brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. As it cooks, break it into small crumbles with a spatula. When done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
2. Grease the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent the strata from sticking.
3. Assemble the Strata:
In the greased baking dish, evenly spread out half of the cubed bread. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, cherry tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the bread. Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients to create two delicious layers.
4. Mix the Egg Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Pour Custard Over Bread:
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and toppings. Take a spatula and press down lightly to make sure all the bread gets soaked in that yummy custard.
6. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow the bread to soak up all those flavors and the custard.
7. Bake the Strata:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the strata uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set in the middle, puffy, and golden brown on top.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the strata cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting and delicious breakfast dish!
This hearty Overnight Italian Breakfast Strata is perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends. It’s filled with savory sausage, fresh veggies, and loads of melted cheese, all brought together in a fluffy, custardy bake. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of Italian Bread?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread will add a nutty flavor and is a great healthy alternative. Just ensure it’s a sturdy bread that can hold up well in the custard.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Strata?
Leftover strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this strata with a variety of vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli would all make tasty additions. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking!
Can I Make This Strata Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just substitute the Italian bread with a gluten-free bread option. Ensure all other ingredients, like the sausage and spices, are gluten-free as well.