A strata is basically a savory bread pudding – bread, eggs, cheese and whatever fillings you like, assembled the night before and baked in the morning. I started making this one for Christmas morning because I wanted something that felt proper without me having to do anything before coffee, and it has since become my go-to for any morning when people are staying over. You assemble it, put it in the fridge, go to bed, and pull it out of the oven an hour before you want to eat. It slices cleanly, feeds eight people, and tastes significantly better than it has any right to for the effort involved.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking the custard.
- Whisk: To blend eggs and milk seamlessly.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish is the standard size for a family-style strata.
- Aluminum Foil: Essential for covering the dish during baking to prevent over-browning.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping ham, cheese, and bread.
Substitutions and Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
- Vegetarian: Swap ham for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Low-Carb: Substitute bread with cooked cauliflower florets.
Recipe: Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata
Ingredients
Custard:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (14 oz) stale French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sautéed onions (optional)
- ½ cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)
Topping:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
- If the bread isn’t stale, cut it into cubes and toast in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
2. Assemble the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer the Ingredients
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes across the bottom.
- Sprinkle half the ham and cheese over the bread.
- Add optional vegetables if using.
- Repeat with a second layer of bread, ham, and cheese.
4. Pour the Custard
- Slowly pour the custard over the layers, ensuring all the bread is moistened.
- Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
5. Refrigerate Overnight
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
6. Bake the Strata
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the dish from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over it.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze strata?
Yes! Assemble the strata, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How do I prevent a dry strata?
Ensure the custard fully saturates the bread and avoid overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata with:
- A crisp green salad for balance.
- Fresh fruit or a mixed berry compote for sweetness.
- A glass of orange juice or mimosa for a celebratory touch.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Delight
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Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata is a classic combination that balances smoky, salty ham with creamy cheese and pillowy bread. It’s perfect for entertaining, allowing you to prepare the dish in advance and bake it fresh in the morning.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Bread
- If the bread isn’t stale, cut it into cubes and toast in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Ingredients
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes across the bottom.
- Sprinkle half the ham and cheese over the bread.
- Add optional vegetables if using.
- Repeat with a second layer of bread, ham, and cheese.
Pour the Custard
- Slowly pour the custard over the layers, ensuring all the bread is moistened.
- Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
Refrigerate Overnight
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
Bake the Strata
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the dish from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over it.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Cool and Serve
- Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat in a 325°F oven until heated through.
