Sausage and Pepperoni Breakfast Strata

• 12 cups cubed day-old bread
• 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. 2 In a large skillet, cook sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, and onion until sausage is no longer pink.
3. 3 Spread cubed bread in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. 4 Top bread with the sausage mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
5. 5 Whisk together eggs, milk, thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
6. 6 Pour egg mixture evenly over the strata.
7. 7 Press down gently with a spatula to ensure bread absorbs the mixture.
8. 8 Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
9. 9 Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature.
10. 10 Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until golden and set.
11. 11 Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• skillet
• spatula
• whisk

Variations

• Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Swap in Italian sausage for a different twist.

Substitutions

• Use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Pairings

• Fresh orange juice or coffee
• A side of toast or muffins

Nutrition

Tips

• Use day-old bread for best texture.
• Customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies.
• Prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight for flavor melding.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh fruit and crispy bacon for a hearty breakfast.
• Pair with a side of hash browns or a simple green salad.

FAQ