Sausage Apple Breakfast Strata
Recipe Introduction
Right, so you're after some killer breakfast potluck recipes ? I get it! Finding that dish that'll have everyone raving can be a mission.
Let's ditch the soggy cereal and aim for a real showstopper.
Quick Hook
Ever had a hankering for something warm, savory, and just plain comforting on a Sunday morning? This Sausage & Apple Breakfast Strata is just the ticket.
It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and savory and will become one of your favorite breakfast ideas for a gathering .
Brief Overview
Strata, a fancy word for a baked bread pudding, originates from humble beginnings as a way to use up stale bread.
It's proper chef's kiss , darling! This recipe is medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes in total.
This beauty will feed 8-10 hungry mouths.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this savory breakfast strata recipe is like a hug in a dish. Packed with protein, it'll keep you going all morning and is perfect for any breakfast food party ideas .
What makes this recipe special? It's made ahead, so you can actually enjoy your guests, and it is one of those crowd pleasing breakfast recipes that everyone will ask for.
Right then, let’s chat about what you need to get started.
Calling All Ingredients
For the Sausage & Apple Filling, you'll need 1 pound of sausage, 1 large chopped onion, and 2 diced Granny Smith apples.
Don't forget the ½ teaspoon of dried sage and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Oh, and a good glug of olive oil too!
Next, for the custard, grab 8 large eggs, 3 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Salt and pepper are a must, of course.
Finally, for the assembly, you'll want 1 loaf of crusty bread sourdough is great and about 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
The Method
First, you prep the sausage and apples. Get that sausage browned and crispy and then soften the onion and apples.
Season with sage, nutmeg, salt and pepper, then set it aside. Next, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper for the custard.
Then, assemble the strata like a savory lasagna, pouring custard over each layer. Chuck it in the fridge to chill and let all the flavors mingle for at least an hour or even overnight.
Pop it in the oven and bake for around 45- 50 minutes. This easy breakfast bake for a crowd will be a total winner.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
So, you're thinking about bringing a Sausage & Apple Breakfast Strata to the next breakfast ideas for a potluck , are you? Brilliant! To make this happen, you'll need a few bits and bobs.
Don't worry, nothing too fancy. Let's break it down.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need for this savory breakfast strata recipe . I always reckon having everything measured out before you start.
It just makes life easier, you know? I've had so many disastrous attempts at cooking with missing ingredients.
-
Sausage & Apple Filling
- 1 pound (454g) breakfast sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 Granny Smith apples, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
- For the sausage, go for good quality stuff. You'll really taste the difference. If it's got a nice, herby scent, you're onto a winner.
-
Custard
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
Strata Assembly
- 1 loaf (approx. 1 pound/454g) crusty bread, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups (approx. 170g) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning Notes
For the sausage and apple, the sage and nutmeg are key. They add a warmth that's just perfect for a crowd pleasing breakfast recipes .
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit. Honestly, a little bit of spice is perfect for Breakfast Ideas For Gathering .
As for the custard, Dijon mustard is a must. It adds a subtle tang, whilst garlic powder enhances flavor.
Equipment Needed
Right, onto the gear. Don't stress, it's all pretty standard.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Honestly, for the baking dish, anything similar in size will do. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do the trick for a breakfast food party ideas .
And there you have it! All the bits and bobs you need to create this easy breakfast bake for a crowd .
Remember, cooking should be fun. So, don't be afraid to experiment a little. Especially thinking about your make-ahead breakfast potluck .
Right, let's get cracking!
Let's Get Cooking: Sausage & Apple Breakfast Strata
Honestly, are you looking for awesome breakfast ideas for a potluck ? Then buckle up, buttercup! We are tackling a Sausage apple breakfast casserole , which is perfect when you're looking for crowd pleasing breakfast recipes .
It’s a dish that's savoury, sweet, and utterly moreish. Think of it as a posh bread pudding for brekkie but with sausage!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro
First things first, prep is key. Honestly, proper mise en place will save your sanity. Chop one large onion, dice two Granny Smith apples, and remove the sausage from its casings.
Get all your ingredients measured out and ready. It's like having a mini "Ready Steady Cook" set up. Don't forget to grease a 9x13 inch baking dish; nobody wants a strata stuck to the bottom.
step-by-step to Breakfast Glory
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Get it nice and crispy.
- Drain off excess grease . Nobody wants an oily strata, yuck!.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. About 5 minutes should do it.
- Add the diced apples , 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the apples are tender another 5- 7 minutes.
- Whisk together 8 large eggs , 3 cups of whole milk , 1 cup of heavy cream , 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard , 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the strata in the greased baking dish: half the bread, half the sausage mixture, half the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Pour the custard over everything, pressing down gently.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour , or overnight.
Pro Tips for Strata Success
- Use day-old bread. It soaks up the custard like a sponge, creating a better texture. Don't skip the chilling step if you want the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- A common mistake is underbaking the strata. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 50 minutes , until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- This is an ideal make-ahead breakfast potluck option. Assemble it the night before, then just bake it in the morning. You'll be the hero of the breakfast food party ideas !.
Recipe Notes: Your Strata Survival Guide
Right, let's talk strategy. This Sausage & Apple Breakfast Strata isn’t just a recipe; it’s a project! But trust me, the payoff is huge .
This should be on your list of breakfast ideas for a potluck !
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!
Honestly, presentation matters. We eat with our eyes first, don't we? This beauty looks amazing sliced into squares. Dust it with a little icing sugar for fancy points! Serve with a side of fresh berries.
Think strawberries, blueberries, the works. A mimosa or a nice cuppa goes down a treat, too. I can see it now- the breakfast food party ideas are limitless!
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
This strata is your new best friend. It's a make-ahead breakfast potluck superstar! Leftovers? Rare, but if you do have any: Fridge is your friend.
Wrap it well, it’ll keep for 3-4 days. Freezing is doable. Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in cling film, then foil.
It’ll last for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Microwaving works in a pinch, but oven's better. The easy breakfast bake for a crowd is a real winner!
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Listen, I get it. Everyone has their preferences. Veggie? Sub the sausage for mushrooms or spinach. Boom! dairy-free? Use almond or soy milk.
Just know it might change the texture a bit. Seasonal? Use whatever apples are in season. That’s what my Gran used to do! It helps keep the list of breakfast ideas for gathering nice and fresh!
Nutrition Basics: Fuel for Your Day
Okay, numbers time. Each slice clocks in around 450-550 calories. You get 20-25g of protein, 25-35g of fat, and 30-40g of carbs.
It’s a hearty dish. This recipe for sausage apple breakfast casserole is packed with energy. Remember these are just estimates.
It's also a great breakfast for work party if you need a hearty start to the day.
Honestly, this Sausage & Apple Breakfast Strata is a total winner. It’s a crowd pleasing breakfast recipes , perfect for any get-together.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Cooking is all about having fun, and I'm pretty sure you can find a way to use these breakfast snack ideas for a crowd !
Let me know how it turns out!. This savory breakfast strata recipe is going to be your new favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Sausage & Apple Breakfast Strata ahead of time for my breakfast potluck?
Absolutely! In fact, it's encouraged. You can assemble the entire strata, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a much richer and more flavorful dish.
Think of it as a culinary beauty sleep for your breakfast it just gets better with time!
I'm catering for some vegetarians, what swaps can I make to this breakfast potluck recipe?
No worries, turning this into a veggie delight is a piece of cake! Simply swap out the sausage for some browned mushrooms, wilted spinach, or even roasted butternut squash. You could also add some vegetarian sausage, for example Linda McCartney sausages, to keep that meaty texture. You won't miss the meat, promise!
How do I store leftovers of this Sausage & Apple Breakfast Strata?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist.
Think of it as rescuing a culinary masterpiece for another day!
What kind of bread works best for this recipe, and can I use something different?
Crusty bread like sourdough or French bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard nicely without becoming too soggy. However, you can definitely experiment! Challah or brioche would add a lovely sweetness, or even ciabatta would work in a pinch. Just be mindful that softer breads may require less soaking time.
My strata seems to be browning too quickly. What can I do?
If your strata is getting a bit too enthusiastic in the browning department, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the baking dish for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will help prevent the top from burning while ensuring the inside is fully cooked. Think of it as giving your strata a little sun umbrella!
Are there any other easy breakfast potluck recipes that are similar to this strata?
Absolutely! If you love the idea of a make-ahead baked breakfast, consider a breakfast casserole with hash browns, eggs, and cheese, or a sweet bread pudding with berries and cream. Quiches and frittatas are also great options, offering similar savory flavors and crowd pleasing appeal.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to easy and delicious breakfast potluck recipes!
Sausage Apple Breakfast Strata
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |