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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 215mg