Easy Turkey Sausage and Egg Strata for Brunch

There’s something truly special about a lazy weekend morning that calls for a warm, comforting brunch. The kind where the kitchen fills with the savory aroma of baked eggs, toasty bread, and sizzling sausage. This Easy Turkey Sausage and Egg Strata is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a memorable gathering. It’s simple enough for a casual family breakfast yet elegant enough to serve guests for a weekend brunch or special occasion.

Inspired by traditional breakfast casseroles, this strata layers hearty bread cubes, flavorful turkey sausage, and rich, creamy eggs for a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it fresh in the morning, making it a stress-free option for busy mornings or brunch parties. Whether you’re hosting a group or just craving something cozy, this recipe brings all the warmth and flavor of a homemade breakfast — without the fuss.

Ingredients

For the Strata:

• 1 pound turkey breakfast sausage

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 6 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes (French or Italian bread works best)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions or parsley

• A sprinkle of extra cheese

• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. This step prevents sticking and ensures the strata bakes evenly with a golden crust.

2. Cook the Turkey Sausage
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 6–8 minutes. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes or until softened and lightly golden. The vegetables will add sweetness and texture to your strata. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined — this will form the creamy base that binds the strata together.

5. Layer the Ingredients
   Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked turkey sausage, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheeses over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheeses to create layers of flavor.

6. Add the Egg Mixture
   Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Press down gently with a spatula so the bread absorbs the liquid.

7. Let It Rest (Optional, But Recommended)
   For best results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and results in a softer, more flavorful texture.

8. Bake the Strata
   When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

9. Cool and Serve
   Allow the strata to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve warm.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Yield

Serves 8

Notes

• Bread Choice: Use slightly stale or day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can make the strata too soft and soggy.

• Cheese Options: Feel free to use Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese if you want a twist on the flavor.

• Vegetable Variations: You can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.

• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the strata the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake it fresh for an effortless brunch dish.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Sausage and Egg Strata

This dish perfectly balances flavor, simplicity, and versatility. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, hash browns, or a green salad. The turkey sausage adds a lean protein option, making this recipe a lighter alternative to traditional breakfast casseroles.

For families or brunch hosts, this strata offers the ideal make-ahead solution. You can assemble it the night before, then pop it into the oven the next day with minimal effort. The baked layers turn golden and puffed, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for your breakfast table.

This dish is also a wonderful way to use up leftover bread or veggies, turning simple ingredients into something spectacular. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and satisfying — the kind of breakfast that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Tips for the Perfect Strata

1. Use the Right Bread Texture
   The bread acts like a sponge for the egg mixture, so you want something sturdy like French bread, sourdough, or Italian loaf. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it can disintegrate during baking.

2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
   Allowing the strata to rest before baking ensures that the bread fully absorbs the liquid. This results in a soft interior and a golden, slightly crisp top.

3. Layer Evenly
   Distribute your sausage, cheese, and veggies evenly throughout the dish so every serving has a balance of flavor and texture.

4. Check for Doneness
   The strata should be firm in the center and not jiggly when done. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

5. Add Fresh Herbs
   Fresh parsley, basil, or chives sprinkled on top before serving enhance the flavor and presentation.

Serving Ideas

This Easy Turkey Sausage and Egg Strata is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your brunch spread:

• With a Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweetness of fruit balances the savory flavors of the strata.

• With Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes or hash browns make a hearty addition.

• With Toasted English Muffins or Bagels: Perfect for those who like extra carbs on the side.

• With a Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

• With Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea: A comforting beverage brings it all together.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them properly to keep the flavors intact:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled strata in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the baked strata in individual portions for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags.

• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Variations to Try

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some creative twists that keep it fresh and exciting every time you bake it:

1. Turkey Spinach Strata: Add fresh spinach or kale for a burst of green and extra nutrients.

2. Southwest Strata: Mix in diced green chilies, black beans, and pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.

3. Vegetable Lover’s Strata: Include mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli for a wholesome, veggie-packed version.

4. Cheesy Strata Deluxe: Use three types of cheese — cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan — for extra creaminess.

5. Mediterranean Strata: Add feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a handful of baby spinach for a flavorful spin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! While this recipe uses turkey sausage for a leaner, lighter option, you can substitute it with chicken sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative. The key is to ensure it’s fully cooked before layering it into the strata.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. This is one of the best parts of a strata! Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When morning comes, simply bake it fresh. The overnight soak helps the flavors meld beautifully.

What kind of bread works best?

Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it holds its structure and soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart. French bread, sourdough, or Italian loaves are all great choices.

Can I freeze the strata before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked strata. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Turkey Sausage and Egg Strata is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that makes mornings effortless yet indulgent. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating your family to a comforting, home-cooked brunch.

Each bite delivers layers of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, savory sausage, and perfectly baked bread — everything you want in a breakfast dish. Whether served at a weekend gathering or enjoyed as a weekday treat, this recipe brings warmth and joy to the table.

If you’ve been searching for a brunch recipe that’s easy, wholesome, and delicious, this strata is your answer. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

Easy Turkey Sausage and Egg Strata for Brunch

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 1 hour 05 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A warm, savory breakfast bake that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or family gatherings. This Easy Turkey Sausage and Egg Strata layers tender bread cubes, lean turkey sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese for a comforting meal that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it fresh in the morning, making it ideal for brunch or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound turkey breakfast sausage

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 6 cups day-old bread, cut into cubes (French or Italian bread works best)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)

Optional toppings: chopped green onions, parsley, or extra cheese

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat.

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

• Spread half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the sausage, vegetables, and both cheeses. Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.

• Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. Press the bread gently to ensure it absorbs the liquid.

• For best texture, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to let the bread soak.

• Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

• Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to prevent a soggy texture.

• You can substitute the cheese with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.

• Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for color and nutrition.

• The strata can be assembled the night before and baked the next day.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes

Michelle Davis