Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Strata with Asparagus, Sausage and Fontina Cheese


A comforting breakfast casserole made from bread, eggs and milk, a strata is enriched with savory ingredients, such as sausage, cheese and vegetables.  The strata is assembled in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it ideal for entertaining.  Bake as a casserole or as muffins for individual servings.  Makes 12 to 16 servings.

10 to 12 French bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
10 ounces breakfast sausage
16 eggs
6 cups milk
1 bunch green onions, light green portion only, finely chopped
2 roasted red bell peppers, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced
1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, stalks cut into 1 inch pieces and cooked until tender.
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups grated Fontina cheese, divided 
3c. + 1c.
  1. Butter a large baking dish.  Place bread cubes in one layer in the dish.
  2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm olive oil.
  3. Add sausage and cook, turning occasionally until browned on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Using a slotted spoon transfer the sausage to a plate.
  5. When cool, cut into thin slices and sprinkle over bread cubes.
  6. In another large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.  Add green onions, roasted red bell peppers, cooked asparagus, salt & pepper and 3 cups cheese and stir until well blended.
  7. Pour egg mixture over bread and sausage mixture.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap.
  9. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  10. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  11. Sprinkle top of strata with 1 cup cheese.
  12. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 1 hour.
  13. Let stands 10 minutes before serving.