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Luxurious Brie & Bagel Breakfast Strata Recipe
This decadent breakfast strata combines toasted everything bagels with creamy brie, creating a make-ahead morning masterpiece that will revolutionize your brunch game.
Why You’ll Love this Savory Brie & Bagel Breakfast Strata
Breakfast magic happens when everything bagels meet creamy brie cheese in this make-ahead strata that’ll transform your morning routine.
I’m obsessed with how the everything bagel seasoning—those divine little flecks of sesame, poppy, garlic, and onion—infuses every bite while the brie melts into pockets of luxurious creaminess.
What’s not to love about a dish you can assemble the night before?
While you’re sleeping, those eggs are soaking into toasted bagel pieces, creating a custardy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Plus, the Italian sausage adds heartiness that’ll keep you satisfied until lunch.
What Ingredients are in Savory Brie & Bagel Breakfast Strata?
This breakfast strata brings together the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and crunchy elements that make for an unforgettable morning meal. The foundation starts with everything bagels, which provide both structure and that distinctive flavor we all know and love, while the brie cheese melts into pockets of pure indulgence throughout the dish.
And can we talk about how the Italian sausage adds that protein-packed punch? It’s the breakfast dream team.
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 3 everything bagels, split and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, cooked
- 8 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 8 ounces frozen bell peppers, thawed and patted dry
- 8 ounces frozen small onions, thawed and patted dry
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Cooking spray for the baking dish
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially with the brie—look for a cheese that’s soft but not overly ripe.
The everything bagels truly make this dish special, but in a pinch, plain bagels with a tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning sprinkled in would work too.
And don’t skip patting those frozen veggies dry, otherwise, you might end up with a soggy strata, and nobody wants that on their breakfast table. Trust me on this one.
How to Make this Savory Brie & Bagel Breakfast Strata
Making this breakfast strata is wonderfully simple, though it does require a bit of planning ahead. Start by spraying a 13 x 9 glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, beat 6 eggs and 1 1/4 cups milk until well combined. This creates the custardy base that will hold everything together as it bakes. Now for the fun part—adding all those delicious ingredients! Toss in your 3 everything bagels (split and cut into 1/2-inch pieces), 1 1/2 pounds of cooked Italian sausage, 8 ounces of Brie cheese (with the rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces), and the 8-ounce packages each of thawed bell peppers and small onions.
Remember to pat those frozen veggies dry with paper towels first, or you’ll end up with a soggy strata, and nobody wants that.
For seasoning, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix everything well, making sure the egg mixture coats all those bagel pieces—they need to soak up that eggy goodness overnight.
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, cover it, and pop it in the refrigerator overnight. This resting period is essential, giving the bagels time to absorb the egg mixture.
The next morning, simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees, remove the cover from your strata, and bake it uncovered for 50-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set.
I love how the kitchen fills with the aroma of toasty bagels, melty cheese, and savory sausage—might be the best alarm clock ever invented. If you enjoy making food from scratch, consider trying homemade pasta with an Italian pasta maker for another delicious weekend project.
Savory Brie & Bagel Breakfast Strata Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this breakfast strata is absolutely delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or work with ingredients you already have on hand. I’m a firm believer that recipes are merely suggestions—delicious roadmaps that welcome creative detours!
Try swapping the everything bagels for plain, sesame, or even cinnamon raisin for a sweet-savory twist. Not a brie fan? Gruyère, fontina, or even sharp cheddar work beautifully. The frozen vegetables can be replaced with 2 cups of fresh spinach, roasted mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage or substitute plant-based alternatives.
What to Serve with Savory Brie & Bagel Breakfast Strata
Now that you’ve mastered the art of customizing your breakfast strata, let’s talk about creating the perfect breakfast spread around this showstopper dish.
I’m obsessed with balancing the rich, cheesy decadence of the strata with fresh, bright accompaniments.
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Fresh fruit—berries, sliced melon, or broiled grapefruit—provides a sweet counterpoint.
For drinks, mimosas or a crisp coffee with warm maple notes complement the savory flavors.
Don’t forget thick-cut bacon on the side if you’re feeling particularly indulgent!
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this Brie & Bagel Breakfast Strata lies in its perfect balance of convenience and luxury. I’m always amazed at how something you can assemble in minutes the night before transforms into such an impressive morning masterpiece. The creamy brie melting between layers of everything bagels, savory sausage, and colorful peppers creates a breakfast that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
What I love most is how adaptable this recipe can be—swap in different cheeses, try bacon instead of sausage, or add fresh herbs when they’re in season. It’s brilliant for both lazy Sunday mornings and holiday celebrations.
