Italian Morning Strata Casserole

1. 1

   Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them in a single layer on the work surface; leave uncovered overnight to go stale.

2. 2

   Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the sausage. Cook, crumbling it with a spatula, for a few minutes until it just begins to brown. Add the onions, a large pinch of salt, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Cook, stirring, until the onions soften and begin to turn translucent.

3. 3

   Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rendered sausage fat back into the pan; return the pan to medium-high heat.

4. 4

   Add the spinach and cook, tossing with tongs, until it is just barely wilted and bright green. Transfer to a strainer to cool. Squeeze out any excess water and chop before using, or use scissors to snip into small pieces.

5. 5

   Whisk the eggs with salt until the yolks are incorporated into the whites. Whisk in the milk and set aside.

6. 6

   Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. Cover the bottom with a single tight layer of the stale bread cubes. Evenly top with about 60% of the sausage mixture, then layer on 60% of the spinach, and scatter half the cheese over the top.

7. 7

   Add another layer of bread cubes on top, pressing down lightly with your hands to flatten. Top the bread with the remaining sausage and spinach. Ladle the egg and milk mixture evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

8. 8

   Wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight.

9. 9

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

10. 10

    Bake the strata in the preheated oven until the top is lightly browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reaches 150 degrees F (66 degrees C), about 1 hour 15 minutes.

11. 11

    Let the strata rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

• Calories 605.22 kcal ▲ High 30%
• Protein 38.12 g ↗ Good Source 76%
• Carbohydrate 42.28 g 15%
• Total Fat 31.36 g ▲ High 40%
• Saturated Fat 13.42 g ▲ High 67%
• Trans Fat 0.04 g ▲ High --
• Cholesterol 418.6 mg ▲ High 140%
• Sodium 1091.89 mg ▲ High 47%
• Dietary Fiber 3.26 g — Moderate 12%
• Total Sugars 9.85 g --
• Added Sugars 0.0 g ⌄ Low Source 0%
• Calcium 455.31 mg ↗ Good Source 35%
• Iron 5.93 mg ↗ Good Source 33%
• Potassium 479.25 mg — Moderate 10%
• Vitamin A 237.17 mcg ↗ Good Source 26%
• Vitamin C 16.33 mg — Moderate 18%
• Vitamin D 3.1 mcg — Moderate 16%

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten
• Onions 🧅