Sausage, Apple, and Cheddar Strata

Need easy breakfast potluck ideas? This Sausage, Apple & Cheddar Strata is a crowd-pleaser! Savory, sweet, make-ahead friendly. Get the recipe!

May 30, 2025
By Sally Thompson.

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Alright, let’s dive into the world of breakfast potluck ideas ! seriously, who doesn't love a good potluck? ever been stuck wondering what to bring? i know, i have! but fear no more.

I've got you covered with a sausage, apple, and cheddar strata recipe that'll have everyone begging for seconds.

Sausage, Apple, and Cheddar Strata: Your Potluck Superstar

This isn’t just any breakfast casserole. it’s a strata . think of it as savory bread pudding with a comforting, autumnal twist.

It’s basically christmas breakfast ideas mornings or a thanksgiving breakfast board but in one dish. and honestly, it’s ridiculously delicious.

This dish takes about 2 hours, including prep and cook time. it feeds 8-10 hungry people, so it's ideal for a group breakfast ideas make ahead situation.

The strata is rated medium difficulty. it's not instant noodles, but definitely doable, even after a rough night!

Sausage, Apple, and Cheddar Strata Recipe Card

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Preparation time:01 Hrs 30 Mins

Cooking time:50 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large (170g) onion, chopped
• 2 medium (300g) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground cinnamon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 loaf (approx. 1 pound/450g) day-old sourdough or crusty bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 3 cups (710ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions:

• Brown sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
• Add olive oil to the skillet, then sauté the onion until softened and translucent. Add the diced apples, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples are slightly softened. Season with salt and pepper.
• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the apples. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
• Arrange the cubed bread in the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Spread the sausage and apple mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups (170g) of cheddar cheese over the sausage and apple mixture.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it's soaked with the custard.
• Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (55g) of cheddar cheese over the top.
• Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.

Why This Strata is a Total Win

First, apples and sausage? that flavour combo is just, chef's kiss . plus, it's got protein to keep you going. perfect for a game day breakfast or brunch when you need proper fuel.

This strata is fantastic for brunch to go ideas . you can even prep it the night before! this means less stress when you have easy breakfast for work mornings.

Honestly, i've brought it to quite a few breakfast party finger foods occasions!

And the best part? It makes you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort. Think of it as a breakfast savory pastry that is so easy to bring and share!

Time to grab our ingredients.

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need for this sausage, apple, and cheddar strata! trust me, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any breakfast potluck ideas you've got going on.

Think brunch to go ideas sorted! i even had one friend make it into a thanksgiving breakfast board last year.

She said it was a total game-changer. honestly, it’s become my go-to for easy christmas breakfast ideas mornings too.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Main Ingredients - The Stars of the Show

Okay, so here’s the lowdown on what you need. I’ve included both US and metric measurements, 'cause I’m good like that!

• Sausage & Apple Base:

  • Breakfast sausage: 1 pound (450g) . You want good quality here. If it's cheap, it will taste cheap. Trust me, I've been there!
  • Onion: 1 large (170g) , chopped.
  • Granny Smith apples: 2 medium (300g) , peeled, cored, and diced. Make sure they're firm, not mushy, or your strata will be a bit sad.
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
  • Ground nutmeg & Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) each.
  • Salt & pepper: To taste.

• Strata Shenanigans:

  • Day-old sourdough: 1 loaf (approx. 1 pound/450g) , cubed. Don’t even think about using fresh bread, it'll turn to mush. Make ahead grab and go breakfast ? Absolutely, that's how stratta works!
  • Eggs: 8 large .
  • Whole milk: 3 cups (710ml) .
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) .
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
  • Salt & pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) pepper.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Get a block and grate it yourself! Pre-shredded is often coated in cellulose.

Seasoning Notes - Spice It Up!

For this recipe, nutmeg and cinnamon are key. they add that warm, autumnal vibe that makes it perfect for thanksgiving breakfast board or even game day breakfast .

A little dijon in the custard brings a subtle tang. if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a cheeky kick.

I actually tried it once and it made a savory breakfast pastry. i'm thinking about easy breakfast for work mornings.

Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Honestly, that's all you need. if you don’t have a whisk, a fork works fine! for a breakfast party finger foods , this will be a hit, and its preparation doesn't require a professional equipment.

So no stressing about fancy gadgets.

Alright, let's talk strata! this sausage, apple, and cheddar strata is your secret weapon. you know? that dish everyone raves about at your next breakfast potluck ideas gathering.

Forget sad pastries. this is proper food!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Strata Foundation

Essential Mise en Place

First things first. we need the right stuff. grab 1 pound of breakfast sausage, 1 large onion, and 2 granny smith apples.

Dice those apples, chop the onion, and remove the sausage from its casings. trust me. it's worth it.

Time-Saving Tricks

Honestly, you can chop the onion and apples the night before. store them in separate containers. this saves a solid 10 minutes in the morning.

Boom! consider group breakfast ideas make ahead your mantra.

Safety Check

Be careful with that knife! Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones. Give yours a quick sharpen before you start chopping. Don't want any accidents.

Strata: Step-by-Step Brilliance

1. Brown that sausage! In a large skillet, cook the sausage. Break it up with a spoon. Then, remove it and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics. Add olive oil. Sauté the onion until translucent. Then add the apples, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook until the apples soften.
3. Combine the magic. Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir it all together. Take it off the heat.
4. Bread time. Arrange the cubed bread in a 9x13 inch dish.
5. Assemble the strata. Spread the sausage mixture over the bread. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheddar on top.
6. Custard creation. Whisk 8 large eggs, 3 cups of milk, 1 cup of cream, 1 teaspoon of Dijon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
7. Pour it on. Slowly pour the custard over everything. Press down gently to soak.
8. Chill out. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Or even overnight!

Pro Tips for Strata Success

Expert Moves

Day-old bread is KEY! It soaks up the custard without getting soggy. Also, don't skip the chilling step. It makes all the difference.

Common Mishaps

Don’t overbake it! You want it golden brown. Not burnt. If it's browning too fast, tent it with foil.

The Make-Ahead Win

Assemble the whole thing the night before. Bake it in the morning for a truly stress-free Christmas Breakfast Ideas Mornings . It's like magic, I tell you!

So there you have it. your ultimate sausage, apple, and cheddar strata. it's a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for your next breakfast potluck.

Think of the possibilities for thanksgiving breakfast board ! enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits that'll make your Sausage, Apple, and Cheddar Strata a real winner! Honestly, a few little tweaks can make all the difference.

Recipe Notes

This strata recipe is perfect for those breakfast potluck ideas swirling in your head. remember this is a crowd-pleaser. it hits all the right spots: savory, sweet, and cheesy.

And it is totally make-ahead.

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, so how do we make this look amazing ? think about plating! after slicing, lay a wedge on a plate.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. a dollop of greek yogurt? even better! a thanksgiving breakfast board would be elevated by this centerpiece.

For sides, keep it simple. a fresh fruit salad is awesome. a light green salad balances the richness. oh, and don’t forget the drinks! mimosas are always a hit.

Or maybe some fancy coffee. this is a great addition for your christmas breakfast ideas mornings.

Keeping it Fresh (Storage Tips)

Leftovers? lucky you! pop the strata in the fridge. it’ll keep for about 3 days. just make sure it’s in an airtight container.

Reheating is easy. just microwave it until warm. or bake at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through. you can even prep some make ahead grab and go breakfast portions.

Freezing works too! let it cool completely. wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. it will last up to a month.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. easy breakfast for work mornings are now a breeze.

Mix It Up (Variations)

Want to shake things up? Go veggie! Ditch the sausage. Add mushrooms and spinach. Sorted! Got dietary needs? Use dairy-free cheese and almond milk. Boom! You have Brunch To Go Ideas !

For a seasonal twist, swap the apples. use pears in the autumn. or berries in the summer. you can even think about adding some breakfast savory pastry .

Remember to share your game day breakfast creations, too!

A Little Bit Healthy (Nutrition Basics)

Each slice has around 450-550 calories. you'll get 25-30 grams of protein. plus, those apples add a bit of fiber and vitamins! this is more than just tasty food.

It is actually good for you.

And that is all Group Breakfast Ideas Make Ahead recipes!

Alright, get in the kitchen, and whip up this amazing strata. I know you will love it. Don't be shy about making it your own. Have fun and happy cooking!