Print

Italian Breakfast Strata

Italian Breakfast Strata
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delicious Italian breakfast strata that combines layers of bread, sausage, spinach, and cheese, soaked in a custard and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf Italian or French bread
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more to grease baking dish
  • 12 ounces italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound baby spinach
  • 12 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 cups milk
  • 8 ounces fontina or fontal cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread out in a single layer on the work surface; leave uncovered overnight to become stale.
  2. Add olive oil to a skillet set over medium-high heat, and add sausage. Cook until the sausage starts to brown.
  3. Add onions, a large pinch of salt, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Cook until the onions soften and turn translucent.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, reserving about 1 tablespoon of sausage fat in the pan; place pan back over medium-high heat.
  5. Add spinach and cook until just barely wilted. Transfer to a strainer to cool, squeeze excess water, and chop.
  6. Whisk eggs with kosher salt until combined and then whisk in milk. Set aside.
  7. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. Layer stale bread cubes on the bottom, followed by 60% of the sausage mixture, 60% of the spinach, and half of the cheese.
  8. Top with another layer of bread cubes, pressing down lightly. Add remaining sausage and spinach, and ladle egg and milk mixture over the top. Finish with the remaining cheese.
  9. Wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  11. Bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes until the top is lightly browned and a thermometer reads 150°F (66°C).
  12. Let strata rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, let the strata sit overnight to allow the bread to thoroughly absorb the custard.
  • Feel free to substitute other vegetables or cheeses based on preferences.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked right before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.spiritsdrink.com/italian-breakfast-strata-recipe-delicious/