Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Delight

A beautifully baked Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata served in a rustic 9x13-inch ceramic casserole dish. The strata has a golden, bubbly crust with melted cheese visibly oozing on top, garnished with a light sprinkle of chopped parsley. The bread cubes are evenly browned, creating a mix of soft custardy layers and crispy edges. The dish is surrounded by a cozy breakfast spread: a pitcher of orange juice, fresh fruit like strawberries and grapes in a bowl, and a small vase with flowers. The scene is lit with warm natural light, suggesting a relaxed morning setting, with a linen napkin and a serving spatula placed nearby.

Ella Cooks

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.

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Servings: 4

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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

Equipment

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.

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

Serving: -71gCalories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gCalcium: 20mg

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.

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