Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering breakfast that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors in one incredible dish. This Maple Sausage Apple and Sage Strata is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that will transform your ordinary morning into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Packed with juicy apples, hearty maple sausage, and fragrant sage, this strata is the ultimate crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
- 1 lb maple sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 apples, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the maple sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Dice the apples into small, uniform cubes, removing the core and seeds. Chop the fresh sage leaves finely.
- Cut the crusty bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very fresh, let the cubes sit out for 15-20 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Layer the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute the cooked sausage crumbles over the bread cubes, followed by the diced apples and chopped sage.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layers, ensuring all ingredients are moistened.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the strata.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the strata rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into portions and serve warm, garnishing with additional fresh sage if desired.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Choose a crusty, day-old bread for the best texture. If your bread is fresh, let the cubes dry out slightly to help them absorb the egg mixture more effectively.
- Sausage Matters: Use high-quality maple sausage for the most robust flavor. Be sure to drain excess fat after cooking to prevent a greasy dish.
- Apple Prep: Dice apples into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the strata.
- Egg Mixture Technique: Whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly to create a smooth, well-combined base that will help bind all the ingredients together.
- Layering is Key: Create even layers of bread, sausage, apples, and sage to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cheese Tip: Use a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyère for the best flavor and texture.
- Resting Time: Allow the strata to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this strata the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 569kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 513mg
