Description
A quick and easy breakfast casserole featuring layers of ham, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella soaked in a creamy custard, perfect for brunch or cozy mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (sourdough or French bread recommended)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (smoked or honey-glazed preferred)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer custard)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Optional toppings: fresh chopped parsley or chives, hot sauce or salsa
Instructions
- Cube about 6 cups of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Toss the cubed bread with 2 cups diced cooked ham, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella in your baking dish. Distribute evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese in the dish. Press the bread gently with a spatula to help it absorb the custard. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove strata from fridge and let it sit while oven heats.
- Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until custard is set and top is golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
- Let strata rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use day-old bread to prevent mushiness. Letting the strata rest for at least an hour ensures custard fully soaks the bread. Adjust salt if using salty ham or cheese. Tent with foil if top browns too fast. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with alternatives. Gluten-free bread can be used but expect texture differences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of th
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 22
Keywords: breakfast strata, ham and cheese casserole, brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole, cheesy strata, savory bread pudding