Christmas Morning Strata


This one is for the girls
and guys too on Christmas morning...eat up!

This recipe goes out to my good friend Claudia down in Orlando FL. We have many times talked about family traditions and how especially this time of year, carrying on these customs are so important. Sorry girl, the photo does nothing for family values but it's meant for fun - a payback from previous a post for men. Claudia's web site is full of great recipes and many feature warm stories of family memories. Take a moment to look her up at What's Cookin' Italian Style Cuisine - you won't be disappointed. This recipe is from my mothers recipe box handwritten on a worn index card and is also in my cookbook. She would have liked the photo!


It's an easy make-ahead breakfast in one dish – but not just for Christmas. You can use any day old bread but I like crusty French and by toasting it, the bread just seems to work better. Use any sausage - country style bulk sausage works well too and I have used smoked and Italian links diced really fine for another added flavor.

Christmas Morning Strata

French bread or sourdough -sliced 1-inch thick
6 bacon strips -cooked and chopped
1 cup cubed cooked ham
1/2 cup diced or grated cooked Conecuh sausage
1/2 cup shredded cheese -mild cheddar or four blends type
1 cup chopped green onion
6 large eggs -beaten
2 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard

Slightly toast the bread. In a greased 13x9-inch casserole dish place bread slices completely covering bottom of dish. Sprinkle cooked meats, cheese and onions over bread. Combine eggs, milk and seasonings mixing well and pour into dish. Cover and refrigerate over night. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes until center has set. Add salt & pepper at the table as generally the meats are seasoned.

Great served alone or with country grits, sweet rolls and fresh fruit. Buy ready cooked meats to speed up prep time.
Note: Conecuh sausage is an Alabama favorite and they ship direct.

Comments

  1. Haha. Oh my, Drick- great photo (of you, perhaps?)! Fantastic recipe, also!

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  2. My mom makes breakfast strata every christmas morning! This looks fantastic. Thanks Drick!

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  3. Oh I bet Claudia will love this! (The recipe of course, not the photo, *cough*)

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  4. Wow....he don't look like your typical chef, or Santa for that matter! lol
    Wonderful way to start out Christmas day with this wonderful breakfast dish.

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  5. Wow, ok so now the picture was a little distracting for one second Trix (cough)! I absolutely am honored to be mentioned in this wonderful family awesome breakfast strata, my goodness this is nothing of what I expected it 100 times more...WOW, love the meats cheese and french bread. Sounds absolutely scrumptious and you were so lucky to have this tradition with mom and the family memories that took you into adulthood, I am so grateful and honored that you would share this ....its wonderful, and I want to thank mom's wonderful recipe box of memories for this special delicious recipe as a fabulous Christmas present to me... thank you Drick, Mom I can't wait to taste this and make this! Will go on line I have to have authentic sausage! thank again ....this was really over the top wonderful!

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  6. This sounds like something I will have any day! Especially on the weekend :)

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  7. I must try this. I make a loaf with jalopenos and cheese I will add the sausage. Thanks Kathy.

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  8. Just my kind of breakfast!

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  9. I would love to make this for Christmas morning, it sounds so delicious however I know there will be absolutely no room in the fridge! Have a very Merry Christmas!

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  10. Hahaha... I thought that was you, maybe you're on diet or something!!! haha.... However, your strata looks awesome good. I'm sure my kids would love it. Thanks!

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  11. I love Claudia's site..she has some great Italian-American home cooking/comfort recipes!

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  12. Merry Christmas, its Dec 25th, my strata is in the oven and smelling wonderful thank you so much for the recipe can't wait to try this......a few more minute! Didn't add the onions so it will be a little different, but added the peppers will do just fine! Thanks

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  13. I want THAT on Christmas morning!!...oh the strata looks great too!! haha Merry Christmas!

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