Festive Holiday Brunch Strata
This post may contain affiliate links.
Read our Disclaimer.
Leave a Comment ★★★★★
Festive Holiday Brunch Strata
Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes are the ultimate way to celebrate a special morning with family and friends. This make-ahead brunch casserole combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and crusty bread for a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for Christmas morning breakfast or any holiday entertaining, this savory strata delivers bold flavors with zero fuss.
Why This Brunch Feels Like a Celebration
- Effortless Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble everything the night before for a stress-free Christmas morning breakfast.
- Globally Inspired, Locally Quick – The sausage and egg casserole format has European roots, but uses easy-to-find American ingredients.
- Big Flavor for a Crowd – This festive breakfast dish easily serves 8-10 people, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.
- Simple Ingredient Swaps – Easily adapt this Christmas brunch recipe for different diets with a few smart substitutions.
What You’ll Need for Your Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes
For the Savory Custard
- 8 large eggs – the base for your rich, fluffy strata.
- 2 cups whole milk – creates a perfectly creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream – adds a luxurious richness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – for a subtle, tangy depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – a classic seasoning touch.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg – a warm, aromatic holiday spice note.
For the Strata Layers
- 12 ounces day-old crusty bread – cut into 1-inch cubes; it absorbs the custard perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon extra-light olive oil – for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- 8 ounces mild breakfast sausage – casings removed for easy crumbing.
- 1 small yellow onion – finely chopped for aromatic sweetness.
- 1 red bell pepper – finely chopped for color and a hint of sweetness. 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese – shredded for that irresistible, melty goodness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives – finely chopped for a bright, fresh garnish.
Your Timeline for a Perfect Holiday Breakfast
I love that this recipe gives you a clear, manageable timeline. With just 20 minutes of active prep, you can have this sausage and egg casserole ready for the oven. The hands-off rest time of 30 minutes (or overnight!) is the real secret, allowing the bread to soak up all that delicious custard.
The total time is about 95 minutes, but most of that is inactive. You’ll spend 45-55 minutes enjoying the incredible aroma as it bakes. This makes it an ideal make-ahead brunch centerpiece, giving you more time with your guests on the big morning.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Creating an inclusive holiday breakfast is important to me. For those who are sugar-conscious or managing their glycemic intake, this savory strata is already a great choice. You can make it even more diabetic-friendly with a couple of smart tweaks.
First, ensure your sausage has no added sugar. Secondly, use a whole-grain or sourdough bread for a lower glycemic index. For a dairy-free version, unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast work wonderfully. These small swaps mean everyone can enjoy these Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes.
My Global Spice Shortcuts for Your Brunch
After traveling through Europe, I picked up a few tricks for elevating a simple strata. Here are my favorite pro tips to make your holiday breakfast truly unforgettable.
- Flavor Swap: For an Italian twist, swap the sausage for spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of dried oregano. It’s a quick way to travel with your taste buds.
- Diet Tweak: Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread. Just be sure the cubes are sturdy enough to hold the custard.
- Texture Fix: Always press the bread down gently after adding the custard. This ensures every single cube gets soaked for a perfectly uniform texture.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers reheat beautifully. Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes. For a single serving, a quick zap in the microwave works too.
Savory Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Strata
Make this festive holiday brunch recipe for Christmas morning! A savory sausage, egg, and cheese strata with crusty bread, perfect for holiday entertaining and easy to prepare ahead.
Equipment
- oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- large skillet
- wooden spoon
- large mixing bowl
- whisk
- spatula
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- wire rack
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Strata Layers
- 12 oz day-old crusty bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp extra-light olive oil
- 8 oz mild breakfast sausage casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat the extra-light olive oil over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles, until it is no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes. Top evenly with all of the sausage and vegetable mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color.
- Slowly and evenly pour the egg custard mixture over the layered bread in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down on the top layer, ensuring all bread pieces are submerged and soaked with the custard.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, until the top is puffed and deeply golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the strata rest on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before sprinkling with fresh chives, slicing, and serving. This rest time allows the custard to set for cleaner slices.
Notes
Let the strata rest after baking for cleaner slices. This dish can be prepared up to overnight in advance.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This holiday breakfast casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with wholesome nutrition. Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential choline, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins. The protein from the sausage and eggs helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning.
Compared to many sweet brunch options, this savory strata offers a more balanced meal. The sharp cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium. For a lighter take, check out my avocado breakfast bowl. You can also pair it with a fresh side, like a simple green salad, for a complete and satisfying meal. For more on balanced eating, the MyPlate guidelines are a great resource.
A Lighter Version for Your Holiday Table
If you’re looking to lighten up this Christmas brunch recipe, it’s incredibly easy. Use 1% milk instead of cream and whole milk for a still-creamy but lower-fat custard. Turkey sausage is a fantastic lean protein swap for pork sausage.
You can also load up on more veggies—add some spinach or mushrooms for extra volume and nutrients. These small changes create a festive breakfast dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. For another lighter option, my cheddar breakfast bites are always a hit.
How to Serve Your Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes with Flair
I love the tradition of a leisurely holiday brunch. It’s a time to relax and connect. Serve this warm strata right from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style presentation. The golden-brown top and aroma of sausage and herbs will make everyone gather around the table.
Slice it into generous squares and garnish with those fresh chives for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or some cranberry orange muffins. For a true feast, add a sweet finale like my egg nog cheesecake. A mimosa or hot coffee completes the perfect holiday entertaining spread.
Common Mistakes (So Your Brunch Is Perfect)
Even the best recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them and ensure your Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes turn out perfectly every time.
Why is my strata soggy? This usually happens if the bread isn’t stale enough. Using day-old bread is non-negotiable; it absorbs the custard without turning to mush.
How to prevent a dry casserole? Don’t overbake! The center should be just set when a knife inserted comes out clean. The carryover heat will finish the job as it rests.
Why didn’t my cheese get golden? For a beautifully browned top, make sure you’re using freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can prevent browning. For more cheesy inspiration, see my spinach artichoke pinwheels. Another great tip is to ensure your holiday dishes are baked at the correct temperature. For general baking advice, King Arthur Baking has excellent resources.
I remember one Christmas when I rushed the resting step. The slices were messy, but still delicious! Learning these little tricks makes all the difference.
How to Store Your Leftover Holiday Goodness
This strata makes fantastic leftovers. Once completely cooled, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I love having a ready-made breakfast for the days after the holiday rush.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for a quick, satisfying meal. For another great make-ahead option, try my breakfast rolls.
Why You Should Try These Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes
This recipe is my go-to for a reason. It brings people together with minimal stress and maximum flavor. The make-ahead nature means you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is celebrating.
I hope this sausage and egg casserole becomes a treasured part of your holiday traditions, just like it is in my home. There’s nothing better than a table full of loved ones enjoying a warm, comforting meal. For more holiday inspiration, explore my classic Christmas fruitcake, easy pecan pie bars, stunning pumpkin roll, or decadent creme brulee French toast. These Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes are sure to create lasting memories.
More Easy Holiday Recipes You’ll Adore
Keep the celebration going with these simple, flavor-packed dishes that are perfect for any festive gathering.
Easy Traditional Corn Dip – A creamy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes.Wild Rice Stuffing – A hearty and nutty side dish that’s a wonderful alternative to traditional stuffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this brunch casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best features of these Festive Holiday Brunch Recipes. You can assemble the entire strata, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking as directed. The flavor actually improves with the overnight rest.
What kind of bread is best for a savory strata?
A sturdy, day-old crusty bread like a French baguette or sourdough works best. It has the structure to absorb the egg custard without becoming mushy. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it will turn too soft. Using stale bread is key for the perfect texture in your holiday breakfast.
How do I know when the sausage and egg casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the top is puffed and golden brown. The most reliable test is to insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean. The center will still have a slight jiggle, but it will set as it cools during the crucial 15-minute resting time. This ensures clean slices.
Can I freeze leftover festive breakfast dish?
Yes, this strata freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then cut into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
