Maple-Sage Sausage & Apple Strata

Maple-Sage Sausage & Apple Strata ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche bread
• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 large apple
• 2 tbsp fresh sage
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

How to make Maple-Sage Sausage & Apple Strata

1. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook 1 lb ground breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 1 large diced apple to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and the apple is slightly tender.
4. Stir in 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 3 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
6. Arrange half of the 1-inch brioche bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter half of the sausage, apple, and onion mixture over the bread, then sprinkle with half of the 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
7. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, sausage mixture, and cheese. Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. This step is crucial for the best texture.
9. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats.
10. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil.
11. Let the strata rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup, if desired.

More recipes you might like

Browse related collections

Cook smarter with Recipe Genius

Generate recipes, build meal plans, and create shopping lists with Recipe Genius.