Grilled Tomato and Sausage Strata

Tomato and Sausage Strata
By Jamie Purviance
 

Serves: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Refrigeration time: overnight
Grilling time: 10 to 12 minutes for the sausages, plus 30 to 40 minutes for the strataSpecial equipment: GBS griddle or 12-inch cast-iron skillet

Ingredients:

2–3      fresh mild Italian sausages, each about 4 ounces, pierced a few times with a fork
8          large eggs
1⅔       cups whole milk
2          teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2          teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
½         teaspoon kosher salt
¼         teaspoon ground black pepper
1          loaf Italian bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes (to make 8 cups)
1          pint small grape tomatoes
1          roasted red bell pepper (from a jar), cut lengthwise into ¼-inch slices
6          ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into ¼- to ½-inch cubes
1½       teaspoons unsalted butter
½         cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano® cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).

2. Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the sausages over direct medium heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from the grill and turn off the grill.

3. Cut the cooked sausages in half lengthwise and then cut them crosswise into thin slices. In a large bowl whisk the eggs, milk, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the sausage slices, bread cubes, tomatoes, bell pepper, and mozzarella cheese to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.

4. Grease the GBS griddle or 12-inch cast-iron skillet with the butter. Put the mixture in the skillet and top with the Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Allow the skillet to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.

5. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium-low heat (about 350°F).

6. Remove and discard the foil from the griddle/skillet. Grill over direct medium-low heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, until the center of the strata is firm (a knife inserted into the center should come out free of uncooked egg) and the bread is toasted, 30 to 40 minutes. Toward the end of the cooking time some liquid may accumulate as the cheese melts. The liquid will reabsorb upon resting. Remove from the grill and let the strata cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

©2011 Weber-Stephen Products LLC. Recipe from Weber’s Time To Grill™ by Jamie Purviance. Used with permission