Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata

Need potluck breakfast recipe ideas This Sausage Cheddar Strata is a crowdpleaser Easy to make ahead its better than Daves Full English promise ... Family Favorites
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever found yourself stumped for potluck breakfast recipe ideas ? This Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata is your answer. Honestly, it's proper lush and guaranteed to be the star of any brunch! The savory sausage and cheddar combo? Bangin'.
Brief Overview
This strata is a twist on classic bread pudding. Instead, it hails from good ol' American comfort food. It's mega easy – most of the work is done the night before.
This recipe makes about 8-10 servings, perfect for sharing with your mates. Serve it hot or warm, as part of easy breakfast platter .
Main Benefits
It's packed with protein. This make ahead breakfast casserole is perfect for those weekend gatherings. The best part? You can prep it the night before.
Imagine waking up to that delicious smell. No need for brunch to go ideas !
Craving Comfort?
Fancy a recipe that's both comforting and easy? We love this sausage breakfast recipes for a crowd , especially for group breakfast ideas make ahead .
This strata is like a warm hug on a plate. You know? Perfect for a breakfast party finger foods .
The Star of the Show
This Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata is the ultimate easy potluck brunch ideas . It's a savory bread pudding. It’s packed with sausage, cheddar, and a creamy custard.
You chuck it together the night before. Then, you simply bake it in the morning. It's hearty, comforting, and everyone loves it.
Forget soggy cereal.
What You'll Need
Right, let’s get down to business. You’ll need about 450g of breakfast sausage. You’ll also want one large onion, and one red bell pepper. Don’t forget the cheese!
Let’s be real. A touch of Dijon mustard really elevates the flavor. It adds a subtle tang that compliments the other ingredients.
If you're feeling fancy, add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata. I'm telling you, this is one of those potluck breakfast recipe ideas that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients for Sausage & Cheddar Strata
Okay, listen up! Measurements are important. Let's break it down.
- Breakfast Sausage: 1 pound ( 450g ). Get the good stuff. Look for sausage that smells nice and fresh. Avoid anything that looks pale or slimy. Trust me on this.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ). Yellow or white is fine, whatever you have lurking.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (about 1 cup or 150g ). Adds sweetness and colour.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . For sizzling those veggies.
- Day-Old Bread: 1 loaf ( 1 pound/450g ), cut into 1-inch cubes. This is KEY. Day-old bread absorbs the custard better. Seriously, don't use fresh bread!
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups ( 200g ), shredded. Go for a mature cheddar; it gives a proper cheesy kick.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): 1/4 cup , chopped. For a bit of freshness.
- Eggs: 8 large . Free-range if you can. Happy hens, happy eggs!
- Milk: 3 cups ( 720ml ) (whole or 2%). Full fat tastes richer, but 2% works too.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Don’t skimp here! It's what makes the custard luscious.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon . Adds a subtle tang.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon . Seasoning is king, innit?
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon . Freshly ground if possible!
- Ground Nutmeg (optional): 1/4 teaspoon . A warm, cozy spice.
You can totally adapt this to be one of the best Easy Breakfast Platter , Brunch To Go Ideas , or even Breakfast Party Finger Foods by prepping individual portions.
These Group Breakfast Ideas Make Ahead are perfect. Fancy a Breakfast Savory Pastry style? Wrap individual portions of the strata in puff pastry before baking.
Get the picture?
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Don't underestimate spices! They elevate everything. Salt and pepper are obvious. The Dijon mustard cuts through the richness. Nutmeg is optional, but it adds a warm, comforting note.
Plus, you can add other spices like easy potluck brunch ideas such as garlic powder, or even a little bit of paprika for a smoky flavor if you feel like it.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Skillet: For browning the sausage and veggies.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For the strata itself.
- Whisk: For the custard.
- Mixing Bowls: For everything else!
Honestly, you don't need fancy gear. If you don't have a whisk, use a fork. No 9x13 dish? Use whatever baking dish you have that's roughly the same size.
I mean, it isn't rocket science, right? This is one of my go to Sausage breakfast recipes for a crowd Make ahead breakfast casserole .
You could even make Overnight breakfast recipes using the same dish, just swap out the sausage and cheddar! If you want Potluck breakfast casserole recipes you could swap to a lighter cheese like mozzarella.
This isn't just a recipe; it's a blank canvas.

Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata: Your New Potluck Hero
Honestly, who doesn't love a good breakfast? Especially when you're off to a potluck breakfast recipe and want something everyone will rave about.
Forget soggy cereal and limp pastries. This Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata is where it's at! It is totally one of the best easy potluck brunch ideas .
This thing is like a savoury bread pudding packed with flavour. Think sausage, cheddar, and a creamy custard. Prep it the night before, bake it in the morning.
Boom!
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together
Right, first things first. Mise en place is essential . Get all your ingredients chopped and measured out. It'll save you a headache later.
Brown the sausage, chop the onion and bell pepper. Grate that cheddar and cube that bread. Honestly, get it all sorted.
As for safety, don't be a mug, wash your hands! If you are looking for potluck breakfast casserole recipes , this is the right place.
Cooking The Strata: Easy Peasy
- Brown 1 pound (450g) of sausage and sauté 1 cup (150g) of onion and 1 cup (150g) bell pepper.
- Layer half of your cubed bread in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Then add half the sausage, onion, and peppers, followed by half of your 2 cups (200g) cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers of bread, sausage mixture, and cheese.
- Whisk together your custard base: 8 eggs, 3 cups (720ml) milk, 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Pour the custard over the layers, making sure to press down gently to soak the bread.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge overnight.
Baking the Strata: The Big Reveal
Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Bake for 45- 55 minutes , until it's golden brown and a knife comes out clean.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. It should be puffed up.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Strata
Use day-old bread. It soaks up the custard better without going mushy. Don't skimp on the cheese! Get good quality cheddar for the best flavour, that's the real deal.
This is how you turn simple ingredients into the most outstanding Easy Breakfast Platter . I swear down.
Honestly, this strata is amazing. Its perfect for group breakfast ideas make ahead . It’s become a tradition in my family.
So ditch those boring breakfast ideas and give this a go. Now you can stop Googling "Breakfast Savory Pastry" and start cooking! Don't forget this thing is perfect as Brunch To Go Ideas
Recipe Notes
So, you're ready to whip up this Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata? Excellent choice! This ain't your nan's bland breakfast casserole.
It's a proper make ahead breakfast casserole which is perfect for a lazy weekend. Honestly, it's so easy it's practically foolproof.
I’ve even made it hungover (don't judge!). Just be sure to read these notes first.
Serving Like a Pro: Plating & Pairings
Think of this as your Easy Breakfast Platter centerpiece! Slices of the strata look amazing on their own. For plating, garnish with a sprig of parsley, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream.
It adds a bit of poshness to your Breakfast Party Finger Foods .
To round out your Group Breakfast Ideas Make Ahead , serve with a fresh fruit salad. Something like watermelon, berries, and grapes is a classic combo.
A bit of maple syrup or hot sauce on the side lets everyone customize their slice. Mimosas or sparkling cider adds that extra bit of "wow" to your Easy potluck brunch ideas .
They are ideal for some Brunch To Go Ideas .
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigeration guidelines are simple: wrap it tightly (cling film is your friend here) and it'll keep for 3-4 days .
For freezing options , cut the cooled strata into individual portions. Wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months .
Reheating instructions : thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts until warm.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations on a Theme
Want to mix it up? Go veggie by ditching the sausage and adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. For a Sausage breakfast recipes for a crowd , you could use chorizo for a spicy kick.
Need a dietary adaptation ? Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version. If you’re a sweet-savory fan add a Breakfast Savory Pastry like maple syrup drizzle.
Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Day
Alright, no one’s pretending this is kale smoothie, but it's packed with goodness! Each serving packs a decent dose of protein (about 25-30g ) to keep you going.
The eggs give you essential vitamins. There are also a ton of great potluck breakfast recipe ideas online now so you can explore other options too!.
Remember that the sodium content can be high ( 600-800mg ) depending on your sausage.
This Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata is an awesome choice for your next potluck! It’s satisfying, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser, and I'm sure it will be a great way to use up any Overnight breakfast recipes that you may have.
Give it a go – you won't regret it!.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata ahead of time for my potluck?
Absolutely! In fact, this recipe is designed to be made the night before. This allows the bread to really soak up all that delicious custard, resulting in a much more flavorful and evenly textured strata. Just assemble it, cover it well, and pop it in the fridge overnight – job's a good'un!
What's the best way to transport this Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata to the potluck?
Once the strata has cooled slightly after baking, cover it tightly with foil to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out. If you have a well-insulated carrier (like you might use for a Sunday roast), that's ideal. If not, wrap it well in a few layers of towels to help maintain the temperature. A little tip, you can always reheat it briefly at the potluck if needed, especially if they have an oven or microwave available.
I'm catering for vegetarians, what are some potluck breakfast recipe ideas using a vegetarian version of this strata?
No worries, a vegetarian strata is easy peasy! Simply leave out the sausage and load up on veggie goodness. Sauté some mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers and add those to the bread layers instead. You could even throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra flavour. You won’t even miss the sausage, promise!
How long will leftover Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Strata keep, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the whole thing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It's almost as good as the first day, a proper leftover treat, init?
Can I use different types of cheese or bread in this potluck breakfast recipe ideas strata?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack would all be delicious. As for bread, brioche or challah would add a lovely richness. The main thing is to use a bread that's a little stale so it soaks up the custard nicely. Think of it like choosing the right digestive biscuit for your tea - it makes all the difference!
How can I adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free for guests with dietary restrictions?
Making it gluten-free is as simple as using gluten-free bread! Look for a good quality gluten-free loaf that holds its shape well. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free milk alternative in the custard, and substitute with a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Always check your sausage ingredients too to ensure no sneaky gluten or dairy are present. Job done!