Hey y'all! Looking for a breakfast or brunch that's hearty, delicious, and super simple to whip up ahead of time? This Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata is absolutely packed with savory sausage, gooey cheese, and custardy bread—making it perfect for lazy weekends, special occasions, or any time you want a stress-free morning. Whether you're feeding a hungry crowd or just want leftovers for busy mornings, this dish never disappoints. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata
- Make-Ahead Magic: Preps the night before, so you just bake and enjoy in the morning!
- Hearty & Satisfying: Loaded with protein and rich, cheesy goodness to fuel your day.
- Totally Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, meat, or bread for endless variations.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or meal prep for the family.
- Minimal Morning Effort: Just pop it in the oven and enjoy more chill time with your coffee.
Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 loaf (about 12 oz) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing the baking dish
How to Make Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Use a spatula to break it up into crumbles. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Strata
Butter or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage over the bread, followed by both cheeses and chopped parsley.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Soak and Chill
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the strata. Gently press down the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until golden and set (a knife in the center should come out clean). If the top starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
Step 6: Serve
Let the overnight sausage & egg strata cool for 10 minutes, then garnish with extra parsley. Slice and serve warm!
Notes for the Perfect Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to soak up all that luscious custard.
- If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry them out.
- Letting the strata sit at room temperature before baking ensures even cooking and a fluffier texture.
Variations on Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata
- Vegetarian Strata: Swap sausage for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Southwestern Strata: Use chorizo sausage, pepper jack cheese, and diced green chilies.
- Ham & Swiss Strata: Substitute sausage with diced ham and swap cheddar for Swiss cheese.
Required Equipment for Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Foil or plastic wrap
Storage and Shelf Life
Store leftover overnight sausage & egg strata covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become soggy.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad or tangy citrus wedges for brightness.
- Offer alongside crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes for a hearty brunch.
- Enjoy with hot coffee, herbal tea, or a splash of fresh orange juice.
Pro Tips for the Best Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata
- Press down the bread firmly after adding the egg mixture to ensure all cubes are saturated.
- Don’t skip resting at room temperature before baking—it’ll bake evenly and puff up beautifully!
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a subtle, spicy kick.
FAQ – Overnight Sausage & Egg Strata
- Can I prepare this overnight sausage & egg strata more than one day ahead?
- Yes, it’s fine to assemble it up to 24 hours ahead—just keep it well covered and refrigerated.
- What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
- French bread or a rustic loaf works best; avoid sandwich bread as it can get too mushy.
- Can I halve the recipe for a smaller crowd?
- Absolutely! Use an 8x8-inch or similar-sized baking dish, and halve all the ingredients and baking time accordingly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Instructions
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1Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange cubed bread evenly in the baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain and scatter sausage over bread cubes.
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3Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions evenly over the sausage and bread.
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4In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard until well combined. Pour egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
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5Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours) to allow bread to soak up the egg mixture.
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6Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove strata from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes, or until strata is puffed, browned, and set in the center. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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