Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for something hearty and flavorful, then let me introduce you to the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish: Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata. Trust me when I say, this dish is like a warm, savory hug on a plate. It’s got everything you could want: the savory goodness of sausage, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the fresh bite of chives—all layered on a bed of bagels that bake up perfectly tender with just a little crispiness around the edges. It’s honestly like a savory bread pudding, but better (and more satisfying).

I first made this for a brunch gathering with family, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. There’s something about the combination of flavors that feels comforting and a little indulgent—perfect for a special weekend treat. The great thing about this strata is that you can prep it the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. So, the next morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven and let it do its thing. It’s a total game-changer when you’re trying to get the coffee brewing and get yourself ready for the day without spending too much time in the kitchen.

What I really love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add in some spinach for extra greens or swap the sausage for bacon if you’re craving a little extra crunch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a cozy meal for yourself, Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata is the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. You’re definitely going to want to save this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata is a must-try:

• Savory and Flavorful: The combination of sausage, goat cheese, and chives makes each bite incredibly flavorful.
• Perfect for Brunch: Serve this strata at your next brunch, and watch everyone dig in!
• Make-Ahead: Prep it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
• Comforting: The soft, pillowy bagels absorb all the savory goodness, making this dish extra comforting.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a great dish to serve at parties, gatherings, or family breakfasts.
• Customizable: Switch out the sausage for turkey sausage or add extra veggies for a twist.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a breeze to put together.
• Delicious Leftovers: Enjoy it the next day—this strata tastes just as good reheated!

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata:

For the Strata:

• 4 plain bagels, cubed
• 1 lb. sausage (pork or turkey)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the sausage)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bagels: These give the strata a sturdy, flavorful base that soaks up all the delicious ingredients.
• Sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the creamy cheese and fresh chives.
• Goat Cheese: Offers a tangy creaminess that balances out the savory sausage.
• Chives: Add a fresh, herby flavor that brightens up the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata:

Prepare the Strata Base

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Cube the Bagels: While the sausage cooks, cube the bagels into bite-sized pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Cheese and Chives: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped chives evenly over the bagel cubes.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Combine the Egg Mixture and Sausage: Pour the egg mixture over the bagels and cheese in the baking dish. Add the cooked sausage and gently toss to combine, ensuring the bagels are well-soaked.

Bake the Strata

1. Let It Set: Let the strata sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bagels to soak up the egg mixture.
2. Bake: Bake the strata in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. Cool: Let the strata cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Here are some ways to serve your Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata:

1. Brunch Buffet: Serve in a large dish for guests to help themselves at a brunch or buffet.
2. With Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like berries or citrus for a balanced meal.
3. As a Main Dish: This strata is hearty enough to be served as a main dish for breakfast or dinner.
4. With a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad makes a great contrast to the richness of the strata.
5. Drizzle with Hot Sauce: For an extra kick, serve with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or salsa.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata with these helpful tips:

1. Make-Ahead Option: Prep the strata the night before by assembling everything, covering it, and refrigerating overnight. Just bake it the next morning for a fuss-free brunch.
2. Swap the Sausage: Try using turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
3. Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Use Day-Old Bagels: Stale bagels work best because they absorb the egg mixture better than fresh ones.
5. Leftovers: Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Bacon: Replace the sausage with crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add extra veggies like spinach, onions, and mushrooms.
• Different Cheese: Swap out the goat cheese for feta, ricotta, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Smoked Sausage: Use smoked sausage for an extra depth of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Ensure your Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata stays fresh with these storage tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the strata before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that can make preparing your strata even easier:

• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for making a hearty batch of strata.
• Skillet: Use a large skillet to cook the sausage before adding it to the strata.
• Whisk: For combining the eggs and milk.
• Spatula: For mixing and serving the strata.

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions about Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata:

• Can I use other types of cheese?
  Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, feta, or even mozzarella.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
• Can I make it vegetarian?
  Yes, just omit the sausage and add your favorite vegetables.
• Can I freeze this dish?
  Yes, this strata freezes well before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to serve.

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Conclusion

Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata is the ultimate dish for a cozy weekend breakfast, brunch, or dinner. With its perfect combination of savory sausage, creamy goat cheese, and fresh chives, this strata is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the ideal comfort food to share with friends or family. Plus, you can even make it ahead of time, making it a great option for those busy mornings or when hosting guests.

Whether you’re serving it on a lazy weekend or at a festive gathering, this dish will surely become a go-to favorite. The bagel base soaks up all the savory goodness, creating a rich and satisfying texture that everyone will love. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being too heavy.

I can’t wait to see how your Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Chive Bagel Strata turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your experience. If you snap a photo of your delicious creation, tag me on social media—I love seeing what you make and how you put your own spin on it! Enjoy every bite of this savory dish, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!