This Pioneer Woman Sausage Strata Recipe is a cheesy and savory dish, which is made with pork sausage and Cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast, designed to be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
Pioneer Woman Sausage Strata Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 6 (1 ounce) slices bread, cubed
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
How To Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Strata
- Prep the pan and cook the sausage: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Assemble the layers: Layer the cubed bread, cooked sausage, and shredded Cheddar cheese evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the egg custard: In a medium bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, salt, and dry mustard until well combined.
- Soak and chill: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- Prepare for baking: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes while the oven heats up.
- Bake the strata: Bake the uncovered casserole for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let the strata stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips
- What kind of bread is best for a strata? Use a sturdy, day-old bread like French bread, sourdough, or challah. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Why do I need to let it chill overnight? This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a custardy, cohesive casserole rather than a soggy one.
- Can I add vegetables to this strata? Absolutely. Add up to 1 cup of sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be sure to cook them before adding them to the layers.
- How do I prevent the top from getting too brown? If you notice the top browning too quickly during baking, you can loosely cover the dish with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes.
What To Serve With Sausage Strata
This savory breakfast casserole is a meal in itself, but pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh fruit salad
- Sliced avocado or tomatoes
- A dollop of sour cream or salsa
- A simple green salad for a brunch setting
How To Store Sausage Strata
- Refrigerate: Cover the baked and cooled strata tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole whole or in individual portions. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Sausage Strata Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fiber: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes. One pound of cooked and crumbled bacon or a pound of diced ham would be a fantastic substitute for the pork sausage.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Of course. While sharp cheddar is classic, you could use a Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a spicy pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
Can I bake this strata right away instead of chilling it?
It’s highly recommended to chill it for at least 8 hours. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, which is essential for the texture. Baking it immediately will result in a much soggier, less cohesive casserole.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cabbage and Sausage Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe
Pioneer Woman Sausage Strata Recipe
Description
A savory and cheesy make-ahead breakfast casserole with layers of bread, sausage, and cheddar, all soaked in a rich egg custard.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 7×11-inch dish and cook sausage until browned; drain.
- Layer bread cubes, cooked sausage, and cheese in the dish.
- Whisk together milk, eggs, salt, and mustard.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until the center is set.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs more of the custard without falling apart.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not skip the overnight chilling step; it is essential for the perfect custardy texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eLetting the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking helps it cook more evenly.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe strata is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.u003c/liu003e
