Delicious Make-Ahead Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Breakfast Casserole (Strata)

This incredible sun-dried tomato and basil breakfast casserole is the ultimate make-ahead dish, perfect for leisurely Sunday brunches, festive weekend gatherings, or simply elevating your everyday breakfast. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a flavorful meal that practically bakes itself. Plus, any delicious leftovers transform into a delightful weeknight dinner when served with a fresh, simple salad!

Start Your Day Right with This Irresistible Breakfast Bake

Who says amazing breakfast has to be a weekend-only affair? We’re bringing you this fantastic sun-dried tomato and basil breakfast casserole on a Monday, not to tease, but to inspire! Imagine dreaming about this delightful bake all week, then effortlessly prepping it on Friday evening, ready to indulge in pure deliciousness over the weekend. This savory strata is so profoundly good, you might just be tempted to cancel your brunch plans and savor every last bite yourself. And don’t worry if there are leftovers – this tomato and basil breakfast strata is equally superb as a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner, perhaps paired with a crisp side salad. It’s truly the kind of versatile meal that keeps on giving, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.

At its heart, this casserole is a harmonious blend of simple, yet powerfully flavorful ingredients. Picture this: sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant fresh or dried basil, cubes of day-old bread, rich eggs, creamy milk, salty Parmesan, and a generous medley of other cheeses. All these components come together in one elegant breakfast casserole that, we’re convinced, tastes remarkably like the gourmet pizza of your dreams. Yet, it arrives in a sophisticated, brunch-appropriate package that’s sure to impress. Whether you refer to it as a breakfast strata, a savory French toast casserole, or simply a breakfast bake, it stands as the perfect centerpiece for sharing with friends and family this summer. And did we mention how incredibly easy it is to assemble, requiring minimal effort, making it the ideal make-ahead breakfast casserole for effortless entertaining?

The Inspiration Behind This Pizza-Like Breakfast Strata

My journey with savory French toast casseroles began with a delectable version loaded with caramelized onions, tangy feta, and sautéed spinach. That particular creation was a huge hit; my partner and I devoured the entire dish! While I still adore that recipe, I must admit it can be a bit more time-consuming due to the caramelizing process. Its rich, deep flavors also tend to resonate more with the cozy vibes of fall or winter. For the brighter, warmer days of summer, my palate yearns for something fresh and vibrant, leading me directly to the exquisite combination of sun-dried tomatoes and basil.

It was a truly happy coincidence that this particular breakfast casserole developed a flavor profile reminiscent of pizza. The sun-dried tomatoes are the star here, infusing the dish with an intense, bright, and slightly sweet tomato flavor that instantly brings to mind a classic Margherita pizza. Complementing this, the aromatic basil adds that essential pop of freshness. During the development of this recipe, I actually ran out of fresh basil, so I improvised with a palmful of dried basil. To my pleasant surprise, combined with the creamy cheese and the soaked bread, all the flavors perfectly mimicked a truly satisfying Margherita pizza. (On a side note, my actual basil plant, though barely clinging to life, is still with us! 🌱)

Effortless Elegance: The Beauty of a One-Dish Breakfast

One of the aspects I cherish most about this sun-dried tomato basil breakfast bake is its remarkable simplicity: everything cooks together in a single dish. That’s right, all the essential components – the bread, the eggs, and the cheese – which are, let’s face it, the unshakeable pillars of any truly good brunch dish, are harmonized in one baking pan. This results in a substantial, satisfying meal that requires minimal fuss. Forget the elaborate rituals of toasting individual slices of bread, meticulously scrambling eggs to perfection, or juggling multiple pans that your typical brunches might demand. With this recipe, you simply whisk a few eggs with milk, generously drizzle the mixture over cubes of day-old bread, layer in your sun-dried tomatoes and basil, and add your favorite cheeses.

For the best possible flavor and texture, it’s highly recommended to prepare this make-ahead breakfast casserole the night before. This allows the bread ample time to thoroughly soak up the rich egg mixture, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. The magic truly happens overnight as the flavors meld and deepen. Then, on a lazy morning, all that’s left is a quick 35 to 40 minutes of “oven lovin’,” and your spectacular breakfast is ready to be devoured. This strategic prep makes entertaining a breeze and guarantees a stress-free start to your weekend.

Customization: Making This Savory French Toast Bake Your Own

I understand that for some, a breakfast casserole might feel incomplete without a touch of meat. And while this sun-dried tomato basil strata is wonderfully delicious in its vegetarian form, it’s also incredibly adaptable. For the meat lovers in your life, feel free to enhance this savory French toast bake with crumbled, cooked sausage or sprinkle in some mini pepperoni pieces throughout the casserole layers. These additions will undoubtedly please and add another layer of flavor and heartiness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to easily customize it to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

Beyond meat, consider adding other vegetables like sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor. The choice of cheese is another area for personalization. While I’m particularly fond of using smoked gouda or smoked jack cheese for their unique smoky notes that complement the tomatoes and basil beautifully, these can sometimes be a bit pricier or harder to find. A fantastic, more affordable alternative I discovered is smoked jack cheese, which offers a very similar profile for about half the cost. Other excellent cheese options include provolone, mozzarella (for a milder pizza-like stretch), or Monterey Jack. Experiment with your favorites to find your perfect cheesy combination!

Gluten-Free Friendly & Cheese Secrets

Excellent news for my gluten-free friends: this breakfast casserole works beautifully with gluten-free bread! So, rejoice – you too can enjoy this incredible, flavorful make-ahead strata without compromise. Simply swap out regular bread for your favorite gluten-free variety, and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed. The end result will be just as satisfying and delicious, ensuring everyone at your table can partake in this delightful brunch experience.

Regarding cheese, as mentioned, smoked gouda brings an unparalleled depth of flavor to this recipe. However, it can indeed be quite an indulgence. My personal hack is using smoked jack cheese, which often costs about half the price of gouda but delivers an astonishingly similar, wonderful smoky taste within the casserole. For those seeking other delicious alternatives, provolone offers a mild, slightly sharp note; mozzarella provides that classic pizza-like melt and stretch; and Monterey Jack brings a creamy, buttery richness. Any of these choices will make your casserole sing!

So, if the Monday blues have got you feeling down, let the dream of this vibrant Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Breakfast Casserole carry you through to the end of the week. It’s the perfect reward for making it through! Happy cooking!

xxx

Yield: 6-8 servings

Sun-dried Tomato Basil Breakfast Casserole (Strata)

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

Sun-dried tomatoes and basil are the cornerstones of this breakfast casserole. Just toss it all together the night before and bake it for your sunday brunch or weekend get togethers. The leftovers make for a delicious weeknight dinner when paired with a simple salad!

Ingredients

For the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Breakfast Casserole

• 6 cups diced bread (preferably day old, for better absorption)
• 1 ½ cups shredded smoked jack cheese* (or smoked gouda, provolone, mozzarella, Monterey jack)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups milk (any type works, whole milk for richer results)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (or 2-3 tablespoons fresh chopped basil)
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained (oil-packed, finely diced if whole)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Generously spray an 11×8 inch casserole dish or a 10-inch square dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange half of the diced bread evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer with ¾ cup of the shredded cheese. If you’re adding cooked crumbled sausage or pepperoni, sprinkle it over this layer now. Top with the remaining bread, then set the dish aside.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, grated Parmesan, basil (dried or fresh), diced sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth.
3. Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the bread layers in the casserole dish. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently press the bread down, ensuring that all the bread cubes are submerged and have a chance to soak up the liquid thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a rich, custardy texture.
4. When ready to bake, position an oven rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35 to 42 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is beautifully melted and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without any liquid egg. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the strata set, making it easier to cut and serve perfect portions.

Notes

• For an extra layer of flavor, I absolutely love using smoked jack cheese or smoked gouda in this casserole. Their smoky notes pair incredibly well with the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. However, if these are difficult to find or outside your budget, a classic mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey jack cheese will still yield a wonderfully delicious result.
• If you’re looking to add more protein and heartiness to your breakfast strata, feel free to incorporate cooked crumbled sausage or mini pepperonis. Simply layer them in with the cheese and bread as instructed in step 1.
• Ensure your sun-dried tomatoes are thoroughly drained (especially if oil-packed) and, if they are whole, take a moment to dice or slice them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that you get a burst of intense tomato flavor in every single forkful.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!

Is This Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Strata The Right Choice For You?

Absolutely! This breakfast casserole is a fantastic choice for a wide array of occasions and preferences. Its make-ahead nature is a huge time-saver for busy families, while its elegant presentation makes it perfect for hosting guests without the morning rush. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and basil offers a gourmet flavor profile that appeals to many, reminiscent of classic Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a vegetarian seeking a hearty meal or a meat-lover looking to add sausage or pepperoni, this strata is incredibly versatile. It’s also a great way to use up day-old bread, minimizing food waste while creating a delicious dish. The ease of preparation, coupled with the impressive results, makes it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced cooks. So, if you’re looking for a flavorful, flexible, and fuss-free breakfast or brunch option, this Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Breakfast Strata is definitely an excellent choice!