Overnight Breakfast Strata for a Crowd

Name: Overnight Breakfast Strata for a Crowd
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 545 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 8 slices day-old bread (cubed); 500 grams breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 6 large eggs (beaten); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

545 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Overnight Breakfast Strata for a Crowd

A delightful make-ahead breakfast strata featuring layers of bread, eggs, sausage, and cheese perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Total

545 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The Overnight Breakfast Strata is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. This layered casserole combines bread, eggs, sausage, and cheese to create a hearty and flavourful dish that can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning. This recipe works wonders because it allows the ingredients to soak overnight, infusing the bread with rich flavours and ensuring a custardy centre. It's ideal for hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their guests. Whether you're hosting a holiday breakfast or a casual weekend brunch, this breakfast strata is designed for those who love a warm, comforting meal without the morning hassle.

Ingredients

Servings

For the strata

Instructions

Prepare the dish

Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.

Layer the ingredients

Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with half of the sausage and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.

Pro tip: Ensure even distribution for consistent flavour in every bite.

Mix the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

Pro tip: Whisk until the mixture is smooth for a creamy consistency.

Combine strata and custard

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Pro tip: Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.

Refrigerate overnight

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

Preheat and bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use day-old bread for better texture.</li><li>Let the strata rest overnight for flavours to meld.</li><li>Customize with your favourite cheese or veggies.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this strata with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance the rich, savoury flavours. A side of crispy bacon or a bowl of mixed berries can also complement this dish beautifully. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a quick breakfast option.