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Breakfast Strata with Sausage and Mushrooms

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Breakfast Strata with Sausage and Mushrooms is a savory, make-ahead breakfast casserole made with day old bread, eggs, cheese, sausage and mushrooms.

Breakfast Strata

Breakfast Strata with Sausage and Mushrooms

Overnight breakfast strata is excellent for brunch with friends, holidays or as a special breakfast for your family. It’s hearty and comforting, and you can make it with just about anything—use your imagination! For more holiday breakfast and brunch casseroles, try this Crustless Sausage and Spinach QuicheBacon, Spinach Breakfast CasseroleSpinach, Feta, and Artichoke Breakfast Bake, and Sausage, Cheese, and Veggie Egg Bake.

Why This Breakfast Strata Recipe Works

  • Healthy: This high-protein strata has over 24 grams of protein and under 300 calories per serving.
  • Versatile: You can switch up the ingredients if you’re missing an item or not a fan of something. Enjoy whatever flavor combination you come up with!
  • Easy to Meal Prep: Since the strata has to sit overnight, you prep everything a day in advance and only have to bake it the day you’re serving it.
  • Perfect Any Time of Day: Although it’s called a “breakfast” strata, it’d also be good for lunch or dinner since it’s so filling.
eggs, day old bread, sausage and mushrooms

Breakfast Strata Ingredients

  • Bread: Cut eight ounces of wheat ciabatta, sourdough, Italian, or French bread into one-inch cubes.
  • Sausage: Remove the casings from turkey or chicken sausage before cooking.
  • Milk: Use skim milk to reduce the calories.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar, grated parmesan
  • Eggs: Use 10 large eggs.
  • Green Onions: Chop a half cup of green onions.
  • Mushrooms: Slice a cup of white button or baby bella mushrooms.
  • Seasoning: Paprika, salt, pepper

How to Make Breakfast Strata

  1. Toast the bread on a baking sheet for eight minutes in a 400°F oven.
  2. Brown the sausage in a skillet on medium-high heat.
  3. Milk Mixture: Whisk the milk, cheddar, eggs, parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the bread, sausage, green onions, and mushrooms, tossing well to coat.
  4. Refrigerate: Transfer the bread mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for eight hours or overnight.
  5. Bake: The next morning,uncover the casserole and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes until slightly browned.

Variations

  • Not a mushroom lover? Swap out the mushrooms for asparagus or bell peppers.
  • Meat: Replace sausage with diced ham or cooked bacon.
  • Vegetarian Breakfast Strata: Omit the meat.
  • Cheese: Make it with any cheese you like, such as Gruyere or mozzarella.
  • Milk: Swap fat-free milk with 2%.

How to Make Ahead

This sausage and mushroom strata recipe is perfect for entertaining because you prepare everything the night before and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. Pop it in the oven the next morning, and breakfast is done.

Storage

This easy breakfast strata reheats well, so it’s great to bake on a Sunday and have in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week. It’ll last up to four days and can be microwaved until warm.

You can freeze cooked strata for up to three months, but the USDA states that uncooked strata shouldn’t be frozen.

FAQs

What does strata mean in food?

A breakfast strata is like a savory French toast. Strata means “layers,” and a strata casserole contains layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and other fillings.

Why does strata have to sit overnight?

Letting strata sit overnight allows the milk and eggs to soak into the bread, making it softer. If you don’t have a full 8 hours, you could let it sit for a few hours less.

Breakfast Strata

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Breakfast Strata Recipe with Sausage and Mushrooms

5 from 15 votes
7
Cals:289
Protein:24.3
Carbs:18.2
Fat:12.4
Breakfast Strata with Sausage and Mushrooms is a delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole made with day old bread, eggs, cheese, sausage and mushrooms.
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Breakfast Strata
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1 slice

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 oz wheat ciabatta bread, or sour dough, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 12 oz turkey breakfast sausage, or chicken sausage, casings removed
  • 2 cups fat-free milk
  • 1-1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 ounces
  • 10 large eggs
  • 1/2  cup  chopped green onions
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400F.
  • Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 8 minutes or until toasted.
  • Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage to pan; cook 7 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble.
  • Combine milk, cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.
  • Add bread, sausage, scallions and mushrooms, tossing well to coat bread. Spoon mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Uncover the casserole.
  • Bake at 350F° for 50 minutes or until set and lightly browned.
  • Cut into 8 pieces; serve immediately.

Last Step:

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Nutrition

Serving: 1 slice, Calories: 289 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18.2 g, Protein: 24.3 g, Fat: 12.4 g, Saturated Fat: 1.8 g, Cholesterol: 86.7 mg, Sodium: 355 mg, Fiber: 1.3 g, Sugar: 0.6 g

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92 comments on “Breakfast Strata with Sausage and Mushrooms”

  1. I really liked the recipe. I added a chopped red bell pepper to get some more veggies in. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the cubed bread. I have a similar recipe that says to line the bottom of the dish with bread slices and I like the texture better. I’ll try that next time I make this.

  2. This recipe is amazing!!! Left it sitting for about two hours instead of the required 8. Also, did not have any mushrooms so I just caramelized some onions and used that instead. Came out great!

  3. I made this today because I wanted something with mushrooms and sausage. I didn’t read that it was supposed to sit for 8 hours before I started and decided to proceed anyway and just make it right away. I can see that it would be softer with the wait, but it was still delicious!

  4. Just had this for breakfast this morning and we absolutely loved it! I would love to have this again Christmas morning and was wondering what’s the maximum amount of time you’d recommend keeping it in the fridge before baking? We host Christmas Eve, so making it the night before wouldn’t be possible .. Would it it okay to have it sit for a full day?

  5. Hello!! I have made this and I love it! I was wondering if you could freeze this recipe and if so, should it be baked or unbaked? 

      1. Avatar photo
        Katie Bickley

        Thank you for this recipe! Would it be okay to only refrigerate for 5-6 hours before cooking?

  6. Avatar photo
    Emily Steadham-Williams

    Should I cut the bread and let it sit over night before making the casserole to soak over night? 

  7. I couldn’t find whole wheat ciabatta bread, so I used whole wheat hamburger buns (just the cheap kind). I started to prep this and was excited to try it when I realized the recipe required an overnight soak. Well, I couldn’t wait so I left it soak for an hour or so and the buns had most of the liquid soaked up. So, I threw it in the oven and voila! It was fantastic:)

  8. How much egg substitute do you use? The directions say to add egg substitute but I don’t see it listed under ingredients. Thanks!

  9. Avatar photo
    Deborah McGuire

    Good Morning and Merry Christmas!  ‘‘Tis recipe sounds great!  I’ll definitely try it soon. But if you put all contents into glass or porcelain dish in refrigerator overnight, and then directly in hot oven, the casserole dish would crack. Did you pour contents into baking dish in morning?

    1. I have done exactly that many times and never had a problem with cracking. But if it’s a concern, you could simply remove the dish from the fridge when you preheat.

  10. I have been making this recipe for years-it’s my all time favorite from Skinnytaste. It never disappoints,

  11. GINA, I needed this recipe yesterday when I was procrastinating And making my menu?? It’s ok, made your spinach feta casserole- so perfect! Leftovers for Christmas morning! Will reference this Strata for another weekend and make it special ! 

  12. The recipe says “serve immediately”. I was thinking about making this as my meal prep for the week. Would this not stay good in the fridge for the week?

  13. Wondering if you could mention that this has been updated for Freestyle or not? I am sure you are getting a ton of questions, but since the points are higher and the eggs are free, it’s just hard to tell. I think you have done a fantastic job updating, and I thank you very much.

      1. Thanks so much for the quick response! I just made the chicken and white bean enchiladas last night, crock pot Santa Fe chicken the other day! You’ve helped me lose 30 pounds and keep it off! I love that you don’t use condensed soups and fake foods!

  14. Am I missing something with your new website: not seeing the old PRINT FRIENDLY button from the old site or any PRINT button for that matter. Old eyes?

  15. What is best method to reheat leftovers (there are only two of us and even if we bake in 8×8 pan and cut in 4 pieces, it will be too much. Microwave or heat in oven at low temp covered with foil so it doesn't dry out?

    1. Alicia, I have personally made and frozen this recipe dozens of times–it is one of my favorites and a go-to for when we have house guests. Since my family currently just includes my husband and myself, I usually make this recipe in 2 8×8 pans instead of the 13×9–I typically bake one pan for us to have, and freeze another pan (fully assembled but unbaked). The previously frozen pan bakes up beautifully: just thaw overnight in the fridge, let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed. You can probably skip the room temperature sit if pressed for time, but I learned that tip from a cooking magazine and found it does help the strata puff up.

      1. thanks for your ideas on freezing one. I wanted to make this but not have one so big to use at one time. Thanks

  16. Avatar photo
    Jennifer Sherman

    This was fantastic! I made this christmas morning and again this past weekend. I tried to find whole wheat ciabatta bread, no luck, ended up using french both times. Still turned out WONDERFUL. I will eventually find the correct bread and make this again, but this is a keeper. Thank you so much for all your recipes, makes being on WW so much easier!

  17. I've been wanting to try this but have a gluten intolerance, so I tried it with gluten free light rice bread and it was delicious!
    I used turkey sausage and red peppers and onions.The bread was not good normally but after toasting and marrying with the rest of the ingredients did quite well. Thanks Gina.

  18. Gina, what is the reaon for using part real eggs & part egg beaters? flavor, consistency, texture? I know the egg beaters are less points, so why not use only that?

  19. Avatar photo
    THE IslandGirl and Makijo

    Loving this recipe…used spicy Hungarian Paprika and it made a fabulous product. There are no leftovers, so it's a winner! 🙂

  20. This was a wonderful brunch recipe for Mother's Day this year! In past years, I always made an "old family" strata for Christmas Day. This new recipe was so yummy. From now on, this will become our "go to" strata for any brunch. Thank you.

  21. I'd prefer to use real eggs rather than egg beaters. What do you think would be best for proportions of egg white vs. whole egg?

    1. I looked at the ingredients for egg beaters and it's 99% egg whites plus some weird stuff like coloring. So I'd just measure out 12 oz of egg whites.

  22. Hi Gina! I have company coming in town tomorrow and was hoping to make this strata recipe and your lighten up creme brulee french toast casserole for a brunch buffet for them. That being said, I have a bunch of frozen Italian bread and Frozen sourdough, but they are sliced at about 1/2 inch thick slices. Do you think I could use either of those loaves to successfully make this strata (and the french toast recipe?), and if so, should I adjust how many of the smaller slices I use or anything? Thanks!!

  23. Avatar photo
    Andrew Heller

    Thanks for sharing :). It makes me think of a similar casserole I make. It's almost identical, but instead of the bread I substitute 2 shredded medium zucchini. You'll have to cook it a little bit longer because of the additional liquid. I'll have to try it with bread.

  24. Could you make this and then freeze it to enjoy later? I'm looking for a good breakfast recipe that I can make in advance for a cabin trip!

  25. this is SOOOOOOO delicious! we had it tonight and it was so very amazing. for the record, we made it ready to put in the oven and didn't leave it in the fridge for a day and it was still super good. i am sure the breading might have more flavor if it sat for a while, but i was glad it came out great regardless!

  26. Avatar photo
    ithappenseveryday

    I made this for Christmas breakfast. Substituted asparagus for the mushrooms. And served with mixed fruit. This strata was so flavorful and everyone was impressed! My stepdad even commented that it was gourmet! This is going to be our Christmas tradition for years to come. Thank you!

  27. I am making this for Christmas brunch. I am making two versions – one gluten free and meatless and one with sausage and cheese. For the gluten free one I am toasting Udi's brand gluten free bread with asparagus and other veggies I have in the fridge. Can't wait to try it.

  28. Just to say thank you for all the recipes this year and previous years. I only seem to go here and always find something. Thanks for all the hard work. Have a great Christmas with your family. And thanks again.

    Suzanne

  29. Avatar photo
    Katie @ www.ohshineon.com

    oh, this is great! i think i just found a go-to christmas morning recipe to feed my hungry family. i love using chicken sausage available at Trader Joes, so thanks for sharing the recipe. have a very happy holiday!

  30. I made this a couple of months ago for a brunch and it flew out of the pan! After seeing the recipe again today, I've decided to make it for Christmas morning. Thanks!! Love your recipes. 🙂

  31. I've made the King Arthur Strata recipe the last few Christmases, and they're so delicious and versatile. I noticed you used 3 real eggs and then the remainder egg substitute. I've always just used egg substitute. I'm curious why you do a mixture. Flavor? Texture? Personal preference? Thanks!

  32. looks wonderful! I'll be putting in the egg beaters to reduce the cholesterol. I love reading everyone's take on your recipes too. The chock full of veggies version looks really good with spinach.

  33. Avatar photo
    peanutbutterandpeppers.com

    Oh yum! This looks wonderful!! Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and my family doesn't like to eat breakfast! Stinky! I would so make this!

  34. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    If you can't find it use whole wheat italian or french. I think I got it at the supermarket…

  35. Avatar photo
    Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper

    Whole wheat ciabatta bread?? I have never seen that. Did you go to a bakery or do you think it can be found in a regular grocery store?

  36. You seem to be a step ahead! I had a delicious breakfast casserole this past weekend made with the cream of mushroom soup. I loved it but I'm sure more calories than I want to calculate. I'll try this one. More up my alley. Thanks again Gina.

  37. can you use oats or quinoa instead of bread…? would there be a cooking time diff or recipe change?

  38. I made this with crumbled soy chorizo and it came out AMAZING. so flavorful! Thanks for another winning recipe.

  39. I made this Sunday and it was delicious! I couldn't find wheat ciabatta so used white. It makes great leftovers and would be good with just about any sausage/veggie/cheese combo. Thanks for a great basic recipe for many improvisations.

  40. This is amazing! I used multigrain french bread, goat cheese instead of cheddar, veggie sausage (to make it vegetarian), and added spinach….YUM!!! Thanks again Gina for another awesome recipe…

  41. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Yikes! You can't mix diets, it doesn't usually work. No carbs, this is not the right recipe. Adding more sausage I'm afraid will increase the points. You're better of making a fritatta instead. Low carb and low points if you use egg beaters and lots of veggies.

  42. Gina, I'm trying to make a strata that would meld well with a couple different people on different diets. One, no carb. The other WW. I was wondering if I could cut the amount of bread and up the turkey sausage and have this come out good? And points? What do you think? Need to make it this Friday morning for Sat. morning retreat. Thanks for your help.

  43. This looks fantastic. We always have strata for our Christmas brunch. Also a veggie dish with roast corn from a summer beach fire. We add diced peppers and onions to the corn and have a taste of summer with our Christmas celebration.

  44. I am doing this recipe right now and am stuck! I've cooked the sausage, but don't know where/how to add itto the rest of the dish. Does it mix with the wet ingredients or the bread cubes?

  45. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    For the 8 oz of bread, the total was fat -2, carbs – 108, fiber 8, protien 20.

    Old points without the sausage is 4 points. Points+ 5.

  46. I love strata so thanks for posting. Now that I'm back on WW again this definitely seems like something worth trying.

  47. I don't think I'm going to be able to find wheat ciabatta bread, (Chabaso) where I live. Could you give the nutritional information on the bread, so that I can find a substitute with similar stats? Thank you!

  48. Yay Gina! This is a dish we do as a Christmas brunch in our family! I had it on my "to do" list to figure out the points for our Christmas brunch casserole, but you've done the work for me! 😉

    Just wondering: How many points (old points) would it be if we cut out the sausage?

    Thank you!!!!

  49. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    I should add, the portion size was large! So if I were doing this for Christmas, I would also serve some fresh fruit salad (free!!) coffee for sure, and cut the portions smaller, maybe into 12 pieces. Less points!

  50. Avatar photo
    Renee @ MyKitchenAdventures

    I have been making strattas for Christmas morning now for a few years! I posted a recipe for one using some reduced calories multigrain bread as the base on my blog a few weeks ago, and was happy with the points and how it tasted. Srattas are great, because you can substitute any combo of meat and veg you like, and you can't beat the make ahead feature! This one looks really yummy!

  51. THANK YOU! We do a pretty lovely Christmas brunch and eat while opening presents. I said I would bring a strata, and after reading this recipe I think this will be it!

    Happy holidays,
    Allie
    http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com

  52. Oh yummy, yummy! Was looking for something to make for hubby's birthday breakfast this coming Sunday. Mmmmm.

  53. You just read my mind!! I have been searching high and low for a low point breakfast casserole! It's our tradition to have one every year on Christmas morning, and I was feeling a little anxious about how I was going to fit those points in! Can't wait to try it! Thank you for this and all of your recipes!
    Cassie