Irresistible Sausage & Spinach Holiday Breakfast Strata

There’s something magical about the holidays that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Picture this: a warm, hearty dish of Sausage & Spinach Holiday Breakfast Strata, bubbling away in the oven. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas, making everyone wander in with hungry smiles and twinkling eyes. Each forkful is a symphony of flavors—a delightful blend of savory sausage, vibrant spinach, and creamy eggs nestled between layers of perfectly toasted bread.

You see, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration on a plate. I remember the first time I made this for my family during our festive brunch last year. The laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the way everyone couldn’t get enough of this strata—it was pure joy! Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to treat yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, this dish promises to deliver warmth and satisfaction.

I still chuckle when my cousin exclaimed it was “like Christmas morning in every bite.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting; they add freshness and nutrition to your strata.

• Italian Sausage: Choose spicy or mild depending on your taste preference; it adds depth and richness to the dish.

• Eggs: Use large eggs for best results; they’ll provide structure and creaminess when baked.

• Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best; it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.

• Milk: Whole milk brings creaminess; feel free to substitute with your favorite non-dairy option if desired.

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella adds gooey goodness that pulls together all the flavors beautifully.

• Onion: Sautéed onions bring sweetness; choose yellow onions for a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances aroma and depth; don’t skip this flavor booster!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for bringing out all the flavors in your strata.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sausage & Spinach Holiday Breakfast Strata

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Chop up the stale bread into cubes—think rustic croutons that are prepped for greatness.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil then toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until translucent and aromatic—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Sausage: Crumble in your Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t play hide-and-seek.

Toss in Spinach: Once your sausage is ready, add fresh spinach right into the mix. Stir until wilted—this should take about 2 minutes. You want that gorgeous green color shining through!

Mix Eggs and Milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creamy mixture will bind everything together once baked.

Combine Everything: Layer half of your bread cubes at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour half of your egg mixture over them followed by half of your sausage-spinach blend. Repeat these layers—bread cubes followed by egg mixture and then veggies until everything is piled high.

Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Remove foil after 30 minutes and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.

And there you have it! Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares. Your Sausage & Spinach Holiday Breakfast Strata is now ready to be devoured amidst laughter and joy! Enjoy every flavorful bite as you create new memories around your breakfast table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the sausage in a skillet, then sauté spinach while whisking eggs and milk. Combine everything with bread cubes for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different cheeses like feta or cheddar, or try adding sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Customizing elevates this strata to your unique taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Sharing this recipe always brings smiles, especially when my friends rave about it during our holiday brunches—a tradition I cherish dearly.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well; just ensure it’s thoroughly drained before using.

How long does the strata need to bake?

Bake the strata at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

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Sausage & Spinach Holiday Breakfast Strata

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Indulge in the cozy comfort of this Sausage & Spinach Holiday Breakfast Strata, a festive dish that combines savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy eggs layered between toasted bread. Perfect for holiday gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings, this delicious strata is easy to prepare and will fill your home with delightful aromas, making it an unforgettable breakfast experience.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups stale bread, cubed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent (3-5 minutes).
3. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Stir in spinach until wilted (about 2 minutes).
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer half of the bread cubes in the baking dish followed by half of the egg mixture and half of the sausage-spinach mix. Repeat layers.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 250mg

Keywords: For added flavor, try using different cheeses like feta or adding sun-dried tomatoes. To enhance texture, let bread cubes sit out overnight to dry.