Meet your new favorite brunch hero: Dad’s Day Strata. This savory breakfast casserole is a celebration in every bite, layered with fluffy baked bread, hearty sausage, colorful veggies, and melty cheddar cheese all soaked in an eggy, custardy embrace. Whether you’re prepping for Father’s Day, a lazy Sunday, or a special family get-together, this satisfying make-ahead dish promises warmth, comfort, and huge smiles around the table. Trust me, if you’re craving something that feels both cozy and a bit celebratory, Dad’s Day Strata is impossible to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Dad’s Day Strata truly earns its place—the basics come together to create a dish far greater than the sum of its parts. These building blocks transform into irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color, giving you a breakfast that’s nourishing, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- French bread (8 cups, cubed, day-old): The slightly dried texture soaks up custard perfectly, keeping the strata tender inside and golden on top.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound, cooked and crumbled): Adds savory depth and that unmistakable breakfast comfort—use mild or spicy based on your crew’s preferences.
- Onion (1 cup, diced): Lends sweetness and a savory backbone that anchors the dish.
- Red bell pepper (1 cup, diced): Delivers color and a pop of fresh, sweet crunch in every bite.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Salty, tangy cheddar melts beautifully for the ooey-gooey factor we all crave.
- Eggs (8 large): Bind everything together, setting into a plush, creamy custard base.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Keeps the texture luscious and custardy—don’t skimp on the richness!
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a hint sharpens the flavor and balances the richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to bring all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle kick and depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color on top.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): A finishing drizzle to encourage crisp, golden edges.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brings a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Dad’s Day Strata
Step 1: Get the Baking Dish Ready
First things first, take a moment to generously grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your beautiful strata will release easily after baking and prevents any tragic sticking or lost corners.
Step 2: Lay Down the Bread Base
Scatter your cubed, day-old French bread evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. These cubes are like sponges—they’ll soak in all that wonderful egg mixture later, turning from humble bread into custardy, golden perfection.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Then transfer it out onto a plate lined with paper towels, letting any excess grease drain off. This keeps your Dad’s Day Strata flavor-packed but not greasy.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same skillet (because all those sausage bits left behind mean major flavor), toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about five minutes, until fragrant and just softened—the colors will deepen, and the veggies become sweet and tender.
Step 5: Layer the Strata
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle the cooked sausage, followed by the sautéed onion and peppers, evenly over the bread cubes. Mulch everything together gently, then shower the whole layer with that glorious, shredded cheddar. The layering ensures each forkful gets the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple mixture will become the rich, fluffy foundation binding your Dad’s Day Strata. Whisk until smooth—the Dijon and spices subtly amp up the flavor profile.
Step 7: Soak and Refrigerate
Pour your egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, veggies, and cheese. Don’t rush—make sure you reach all the corners. Drizzle the melted butter across the top for an extra layer of richness, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (even better, overnight), allowing the bread to soak up every drop of custardy magic.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic, slide the strata onto the center rack, and bake for 45–50 minutes. The top should be beautifully golden and slightly crisp, with the center set but still moist. Don’t forget to let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this prevents it from falling apart and makes serving much easier.
How to Serve Dad’s Day Strata
Garnishes
Right before serving, scatter a handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top of Dad’s Day Strata. That fresh, herbal zip is the perfect finish. Looking to jazz things up? A tiny sprinkle of extra cheddar, diced green onions, or a dash more paprika adds colorful flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can serve Dad’s Day Strata alone, or pair it with simple sides. A crisp green salad, tangy fruit salad, or roasted breakfast potatoes make a satisfying brunch spread. For something lighter, a side of sliced tomatoes or citrus wedges adds a fresh contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, pre-cut the strata into handy squares and arrange them on a serving platter. For a personal touch, bake individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins—adorable and perfect for brunch buffets! A drizzle of hot sauce or dollop of sour cream on the side is always a hit with guests who love a little extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the strata cool to room temperature before transferring slices into an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly—Dad’s Day Strata stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Enjoy knowing you have an indulgent breakfast just waiting for you!
Freezing
Need to save it for later? No problem. Once baked and completely cooled, wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, just move it to the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, covering loosely with foil if you want to preserve moisture. For a quick fix, a minute or two in the microwave also works—just know the crust won’t be as crisp as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for Dad’s Day Strata?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free bread—opt for a sturdy, dense loaf if possible to hold up to the custard mixture and provide the right texture.
What other meats work in this recipe?
Dad’s Day Strata is wonderfully flexible—substitute cooked bacon, diced ham, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based crumble to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Can I prepare it more than one day in advance?
For best results, assemble Dad’s Day Strata the night before baking. If you need to plan even further ahead, you can go up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure the bread is still holding its shape before baking!
How do I know when the strata is fully cooked?
You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set (not jiggly) and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. Insert a knife into the center—it should come out mostly clean with no runny custard.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, kale, or diced tomatoes all play well here. Just be sure to sauté high-moisture veggies first to avoid watering down your Dad’s Day Strata.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that delivers comfort and celebration in every forkful, it’s time to make Dad’s Day Strata your signature dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just someone who deserves a little extra love, this recipe is your ticket to a showstopping brunch with heart. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it for every special occasion!
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Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Dad’s Day Strata is a delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s perfect for Father’s Day or any special brunch. Layers of French bread, savory sausage, colorful peppers, and cheese are soaked in a flavorful egg mixture and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
French Bread:
- 8 cups cubed French bread (day-old)
Breakfast Sausage:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Others:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the bread cubes in the bottom.
- Cook the Sausage: Cook the sausage until browned, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and red bell pepper until softened.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread sausage, onion, and bell pepper over the bread, then top with shredded cheese.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and toppings. Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Chill and Bake: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until set.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can swap sausage for cooked bacon or ham.
- For a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños.
- This dish is ideal for make-ahead preparations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg
