Sun-Dried Tomato Sausage Strata: A Cheesy Delight!

Sure thing! Let’s dive into the delightful world of Sausage and Cheese Strata with Sun-dried Tomatoes, a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. 🍅🧀🥖

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Description

This dish is an incredible alternative to traditional lasagna, boasting a light and puffy texture that will surprise and delight your senses. It’s the perfect way to utilize leftover ingredients, with flavors that only get better as they meld together, especially when enjoyed the next day. Instead of using crustless white bread, we opt for Italian bread broken into small pieces, adding a rustic charm to the dish. This recipe was originally inspired by a creation from Bon Appétit, making it a tried-and-true favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 12 ounces hot Italian sausage
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 8 eggs
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 onion
• 11 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare Sun-dried Tomatoes: Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a medium bowl and cover them with enough boiling water. Let them stand until softened, approximately 15 minutes, then drain them.

2. Cook Sausage: In a heavy medium skillet over medium heat, sauté the Italian sausage until cooked through, breaking it up with the back of a spoon, for about 5 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to paper towels to drain well, using a slotted spoon.

3. Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.

4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, fresh thyme, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well blended. Add the softened sun-dried tomatoes, cooked sausage, bread, chopped onion, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until evenly combined.

5. Assemble Strata: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking.

7. Bake Strata: Once ready, bake the strata uncovered in the preheated oven until it’s puffed up and golden brown, approximately 45 minutes.

8. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella and goat cheese over the baked strata, then return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

9. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Sausage and Cheese Strata into generous portions and serve it warm, savoring each delicious bite.

This savory dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something comforting yet satisfying. With its hearty combination of sausage, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy! 🍽️🌟