Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced apple to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the cubed bread to the mixing bowl and toss to coat with the egg mixture.
6. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread half of the bread mixture evenly on the bottom.
7. Top with half of the cooked sausage and apple mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage and apple mixture, and cheddar cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the strata is cooked through.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 8.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 23g
Sodium: 940mg
Sugar: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of breakfast sausage you prefer, such as turkey or chicken sausage.
- You can use any type of bread you have on hand, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
Variations:
- Add diced bell peppers or onions to the sausage and apple mixture for extra flavor.
- Use diced pears instead of apples for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warm, spicy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use day-old bread for the best texture in the strata.
- You can prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for an easy breakfast.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the strata on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the strata is not cooked through after the recommended baking time, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Strata is a popular breakfast casserole that originated in the United States in the 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the breakfast sausage and apples, with a cheesy and eggy base.
Serving suggestions:
Serve for breakfast or brunch with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
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