Rustic Sausage-Kale Strata Recipe: A Hearty Breakfast Delight

Let me share a mouthwatering sausage-kale strata that changes everything about breakfast casseroles.

Hearty ingredients blend into a luxurious morning meal perfect for lazy weekends.

Italian sausage brings robust flavor while kale adds unexpected nutrition and texture.

Comfort meets sophistication in this simple yet elegant dish.

Layers of bread, eggs, and melted cheese create a satisfying harmony that feels indulgent.

Weekend brunch will never be the same once you experience this delightful combination.

Jump into this recipe and transform your morning routine with one delicious bite.

Sausage-Kale Strata Savory Baked Brunch Option

• Unleash Breakfast Simplicity: Perfect morning meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
• Streamline Meal Prep: Make ahead and refrigerate up to 12 hours, allowing stress-free morning cooking with flexible timing.
• Cast-Iron Magic: Single skillet approach reduces cleanup, creates crispy edges, and provides even heat distribution for perfect texture.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combines protein-rich sausage, hearty kale, and cheesy goodness into one satisfying breakfast dish that energizes your morning.

Everything You’ll Add to Sausage-Kale Strata

• Sausage: Hearty meat base that adds rich flavor and texture to the dish.
• Eggs: Binding ingredient that creates the strata's creamy and custardy structure.

• Sourdough Bread: Tangy bread that absorbs egg mixture and provides a rustic base.

• Half-and-Half, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy components that enhance richness and add smooth, melty texture.

• Kale, Onion: Nutritious greens that provide depth of flavor and earthy undertones.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Dijon Mustard, Salt: Adds complex flavor and enhances overall seasoning.

How To Cook Sausage-Kale Strata

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Brown the sausage in a cast-iron skillet with olive oil, cracking it into tiny pieces over medium-high heat.

Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft.

Toss in fresh kale and let it wilt gently.

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool down for a short while.

Step 2: Whip up the Egg Base

• Eggs
• Half-and-half
• Dijon mustard
• Salt

Tear sourdough bread into chunks and fold into the liquid mixture.

Let the bread soak and absorb the flavors, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Marry the Ingredients

Fold the sausage and kale blend into the bread mixture.

Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese throughout, ensuring even distribution.

Step 4: Prepare for Resting

Transfer the entire mixture back into the same unwashed skillet.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing directly against the surface.

Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm the oven to 325°F.

Remove the skillet from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.

Slide into the oven and bake until the casserole puffs up slightly and the center sets firmly.

Rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to stabilize.

Strata Tips For Savory Sausage And Kale

• Refrigerate the strata mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow bread to absorb flavors and eggs, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish.
• Swap sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and make the recipe more versatile.
• Use day-old sourdough for better texture; stale bread absorbs egg mixture more effectively and prevents a soggy consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, fontina, or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the strata's overall taste.

Sausage Strata Reheats Well the Next Day

• Store leftover strata in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the texture and flavor intact.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Quickly reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, watching carefully to avoid overcooking the eggs.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes With Kale Strata

• Pair with Bold Red Wine Companion: Select a robust Syrah or Grenache that complements the sausage's rich, meaty flavor and cuts through the creamy egg mixture.
• Elevate with Citrus Morning Cocktail: Create a bright mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice spritzer to balance the strata's hearty profile and add a zesty morning contrast.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the dense, cheesy strata and cleanse the palate.
• Complement with Tangy Pickled Side: Serve quick-pickled vegetables like cucumber or radish to introduce a sharp, acidic element that refreshes between bites of the rich breakfast dish.

Sausage and Kale Bake Styles

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace sourdough bread with gluten-free bread or cauliflower rice to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the dish's hearty texture.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap sausage with plant-based meat crumbles or seasoned mushrooms to create a meat-free version that keeps the same robust flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute bread with chopped zucchini or spinach, reducing carbohydrates and adding extra nutrients while preserving the strata's creamy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and replace Cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What type of bread works best for this strata?

Sourdough is recommended because its tangy flavor and sturdy texture help the strata hold its shape while absorbing the egg mixture perfectly.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, but the flavor profile will change slightly. Choose a meat with good seasoning to maintain the dish’s robust taste.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the strata before baking?

Absolutely. Refrigerating allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and helps develop deeper flavors. This resting period also helps the strata set properly and creates a more cohesive texture.

• How do I know when the strata is fully cooked?

The strata is done when it’s slightly puffed and the center is set. A slight golden color on top and a firm (not liquid) center indicates it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.

Sausage-Kale Strata Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage-kale strata brings rustic Italian countryside comfort to your breakfast table. Layers of crusty bread, savory sausage, and tender kale mingle with rich eggs, creating a satisfying morning meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1/2 pound (0.5 lb) ground mild Italian sausage
• 5 large eggs
• 4 ounces (4 oz) sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup sliced red onion (from 1 medium onion)
• 1 medium bunch Lacinato kale, stemmed and coarsely chopped (3 packed cups)

Bread, Liquid, and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) day-old sourdough bread loaf, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat base by sautéing sausage in a cast-iron skillet until golden and crumbly, releasing rich flavors and developing deep caramelization.
2. Incorporate diced onions into the sausage, allowing them to soften and become translucent, creating a fragrant foundation for the dish.
3. Gently fold chopped kale into the meat mixture, wilting the leaves briefly to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional integrity.
4. Create a luxurious custard by whisking eggs with half-and-half, introducing Dijon mustard for a subtle tangy undertone and seasoning with salt.
5. Tear sourdough bread into rustic chunks, immersing them in the egg mixture to absorb the creamy liquid, enhancing the strata’s texture and depth.
6. Combine the sausage-kale blend with the bread-egg mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the dish.
7. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese generously, allowing it to weave through the layers and provide a rich, melty character.
8. Transfer the entire mixture back to the unwashed skillet, capturing residual flavors from the initial cooking process.
9. Seal the strata with plastic wrap, pressing directly against the surface to prevent moisture loss, and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
10. Remove from refrigeration and let the dish reach room temperature while preheating the oven to 325°F.
11. Bake until the strata rises slightly and the center sets firmly, creating a golden, puffy exterior with a creamy interior.
12. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving, enabling the ingredients to settle and intensify their combined flavors.

Notes

• Customize the sausage type to match dietary preferences, like using turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
• Ensure even cooking by breaking sausage into consistent small pieces during the browning process.
• Prevent soggy bread by using day-old sourdough and allowing proper absorption time with egg mixture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or goat cheese to add unique flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg