Imagine waking up to a heavenly aroma of a perfectly baked ham and cheese strata that promises to transform your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Easy Ham and Cheese Strata is not just a meal; it's a comforting, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of savory ham, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned eggs in one delightful dish. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or looking for a satisfying weekend breakfast, this recipe will become your new go-to morning sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, let cubes sit out for 10-15 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- Dice ham into small, uniform pieces about 1/2 inch in size. Shred cheese if not pre-shredded, ensuring even distribution throughout the strata.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the diced ham and half the shredded cheese over the bread.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining bread cubes, ham, and cheese, creating a second even layer.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring it covers the bread and ingredients evenly. Gently press down with a spatula to help bread absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Place in preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The strata should be puffy and no longer liquid when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the strata to set and makes cutting and serving easier.
- Slice into portions and serve warm. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread or let fresh bread cubes dry out slightly. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture more effectively, creating a more cohesive texture.
- Cheese Variety: While the recipe suggests cheddar or Swiss, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
- Even Distribution is Key: When layering ingredients, ensure ham and cheese are evenly spread to guarantee every bite is packed with flavor.
- Prevent Overcooking: Cover with foil initially to prevent excessive browning, and remove it towards the end to achieve that perfect golden-brown top.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Allow the strata to rest 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this strata the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast preparation.
- Customize Your Strata: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 304kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 340mg
