Name: Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough works best); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 cup diced bell pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Dad’s Day Strata is the ultimate all-in-one breakfast bake that brings together everything you love about brunch in one cozy, cheesy casserole. It’s hearty yet light, savory with just the right amount of richness, and a true crowd-pleaser—perfect for making Dad feel extra special. With layers of crusty bread, sizzling breakfast sausage, colorful veggies, and gooey cheese all bound together with a creamy egg custard, this dish is as impressive as it is easy to pull together. Whether you’re making it for Father’s Day or any lazy Sunday, Dad’s Day Strata is a tradition you’ll want to return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Dad’s Day Strata is chosen to deliver big flavor and satisfying texture. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each element plays its part to create a breakfast that’s both comforting and celebratory.

Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed): The sturdy, slightly dried bread soaks up the custard without getting mushy and gives the strata its signature texture.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sauté your veggies and add a bit of richness to the base flavors.
Breakfast sausage or bacon (1/2 pound, cooked and crumbled): Adds savory depth and a touch of smokiness—choose your favorite or mix both!
Diced onion (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the dish.
Diced bell pepper (1/2 cup): Adds pops of color and a gentle crunch that balances the rich flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Delivers that classic sharp, melty cheese pull everyone loves.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Gives a creamy, gooey texture and mild flavor that melds beautifully with the cheddar.
Large eggs (6): The backbone of the strata—these bind everything together and create that soft, custardy center.
Whole milk (2 cups): Ensures the custard is perfectly creamy and smooth.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a little tangy zip that wakes up all the flavors without overpowering.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the custard and bringing all the flavors into focus.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add gentle warmth and spice.
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): A fresh, bright finish that makes the whole dish pop visually and in flavor.

How to Make Dad’s Day Strata

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous greasing—this not only keeps your Dad’s Day Strata from sticking but ensures those lovely golden edges. If you want an even easier cleanup, line the dish with parchment, but a good swipe of butter or oil usually does the trick!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally, and let them soften for about 4 to 5 minutes. This quick sauté brings out sweetness in the onions and a mellow flavor in the peppers, making every bite of your strata more vibrant.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage or Bacon

If you haven’t already, cook your breakfast sausage or bacon until it’s browned and crispy, then crumble it up. The smoky, savory bits will be nestled throughout the strata, adding irresistible flavor. You can use one or both—whatever Dad loves most!

Step 4: Build the Layers

Spread the cubed bread evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage or bacon over the bread, then scatter the sautéed vegetables on top. Next comes the cheese: layer the cheddar and mozzarella over everything, making sure every nook is covered for that signature cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Mix and Pour the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and pale. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the layered bread, meat, veggies, and cheese. Press down gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon so the bread soaks up that savory custard—it’s the secret to a rich, tender Dad’s Day Strata.

Step 6: Let It Soak

Let your assembled strata rest for at least 15 minutes on the counter, or cover and refrigerate it overnight if you’re planning ahead. This soak gives the bread time to absorb the egg mixture, ensuring every bite is perfectly custardy. Overnight is ideal for the absolute best texture and for easy prep in the morning.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set—no jiggly custard in the middle. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing, so everything holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Dad’s Day Strata

Garnishes

A scatter of freshly chopped parsley over the hot strata adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness that balances the richness. You can also try thinly sliced green onions or a little extra cheese melted on top, but parsley really makes the Dad’s Day Strata feel extra special and brunch-worthy.

Side Dishes

Dad’s Day Strata is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or roasted breakfast potatoes makes for a well-rounded brunch spread. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a lovely, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy goodness of the strata.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Dad’s Day Strata in individual ramekins for personal portions, or cut it into squares and stack them with a skewer for a playful, party-friendly look. You can even turn leftovers into breakfast sandwiches by tucking a slice between toasted English muffins—Dad will love the creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Dad’s Day Strata, simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, staying just as tasty for quick breakfasts or easy lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, let the strata cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices of Dad’s Day Strata in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 to 20 minutes. The strata reheats beautifully, maintaining its creamy texture and bold flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Dad’s Day Strata gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for the regular bread cubes. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can serve this breakfast bake to everyone without worry.

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

Day-old French or sourdough bread works best because it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, you can cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven.

Can I add other veggies or swap the meat?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in extras like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, or swap the sausage/bacon for ham or even a vegetarian sausage. Dad’s Day Strata is wonderfully flexible—use whatever Dad loves most!

Can I assemble Dad’s Day Strata the night before?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended for the best results. Prepping the night before lets the bread fully absorb the custard and makes for a truly effortless morning—just pop it in the oven and enjoy.

How do I know when the strata is done baking?

Your Dad’s Day Strata is ready when the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice any liquid egg, give it a few more minutes in the oven until it’s fully set.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece, give Dad’s Day Strata a spot on your table. It’s packed with flavor, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Whether it’s Father’s Day or just a cozy weekend, this is one tradition everyone will look forward to. Happy cooking!

Dad’s Day Strata Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Dad’s Day Strata is a hearty, make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for celebrating Father’s Day or any special brunch occasion. Featuring layers of day-old bread, savory breakfast sausage or bacon, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it’s soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard. Baked until golden and set, this strata is flavorful, comforting, and easily customizable with your favorite extras.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough works best)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they are softened and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix Egg Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble Strata: Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage or crumbled bacon evenly over the bread, then add the sautéed onion and bell pepper. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
Add Egg Mixture: Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the assembled ingredients in the baking dish. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the liquid mixture thoroughly.
Rest the Strata: Let the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to soak, or cover and refrigerate overnight for better flavor and texture.
Bake: Place the bake in the preheated oven and cook for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
Rest and Garnish: Allow the strata to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before slicing and serving.

Notes

This make-ahead recipe is ideal for Father’s Day brunch or any special morning gathering.
Customize your strata by adding extras such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free bread variety.
For best texture, use day-old bread so it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American