Description
This make-ahead Christmas brunch strata is cozy, cheesy, and packed with holiday vibes. Prep it the night before for a stress-free holiday morning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf day-old bread (crusty French bread or sourdough)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (480ml)
- 12 oz cooked breakfast sausage (spicy Italian or mild)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss)
- 1 cup sautéed veggies (bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms)
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Set aside.
- Sauté the veggies in the same pan until tender. Let them cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth and creamy.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the bread cubes, sausage, veggies, and cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs it.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 20 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
[‘Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess.’, ‘Chill the strata overnight for better flavor melding.’, ‘Grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking.’, ‘Customize with herbs, hot sauce, or different cheeses.’, ‘Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.’]
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 15
Keywords: Christmas brunch, make-ahead recipe, strata, holiday breakfast, cheesy casserole