Name: Ham and Cheese Strata
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Ingredients: 6 cups day old bread, cubed (I used garlic knots from the pizza parlor and some old Italian bread); 2 cups diced ham; 1 cup shredded, cheddar cheese; 6 large eggs; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

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With its crowd-pleasing qualities and easy preparation, Ham and Cheese Strata is sure to become your go-to recipe for brunch gatherings. Start impressing your guests and making entertaining a breeze with this ultimate brunch dish.

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and hello to flavor heaven with this Ham and Cheese Strata. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give it a try! #MealPrep #FoodPorn #BrunchtimeEats #SavoryBreakfast #CheesyGoodness #FoodieFavs #WeekendBrunchin

When it comes to planning a memorable brunch, few dishes are as satisfying and crowd-pleasing as a ham and cheese strata. This savory, make-ahead casserole layers tender bread, flavorful ham, and rich cheddar cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for sharing. Alongside a cheesy grits soufflé or a hearty overnight breakfast casserole, ham and cheese strata rounds out a brunch spread that’s both delicious and stress-free, making it easy to enjoy time with family and friends.

What is a Strata?

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly a strata is, you’re not alone. A strata is a savory, layered casserole that typically combines bread, eggs, milk, cheese, and various fillings for a comforting meal. While bread pudding originated around the 11th to 13th centuries, strata’s history starts in the early 20th century. Home cooks sought creative ways to turn leftover bread into something new.

Over time, the dish evolved to include all sorts of flavors, from traditional breakfast meats to vegetables and cheeses, making it a staple in American kitchens. The magic happens when the ingredients soak overnight, creating a rich, custardy texture with a crispy topping.

While a strata shares similarities with bread pudding and French toast, there are a few key differences. Both dishes use cubes or slices of bread soaked in an egg and milk mixture. However, bread pudding is typically sweet and flavored with sugar and spices. In contrast to that, a strata is savory and features ingredients like ham, cheese, and vegetables. All these dishes rely on the same custardy texture, but stratas stand out for its hearty, savory flavors that make it perfect for brunch or lunch rather than dessert.

This strata features a classic combination of ham and cheddar. I’m not entirely sure how ham and cheddar became such an iconic combination. In the 1800’s, ham quickly became a staple in American taverns. It fed workers in the late 1800’s pretty frugally.

Towards the end of the 1800’s New York baseball parks served up a ham and cheese sandwich. It eventually was replaced by the hot dog in later years. However it came to be, the combination of saltiness of the ham pairs well with the flavor of cheddar creating a perfectly balance flavor combination.

Frugal Way to Repurpose Stale Bread

One of the best things about strata is its practicality. Instead of tossing stale or leftover bread, you can transform it. Turn it into a satisfying meal, minimizing food waste and stretching your grocery budget. This sustainable approach not only feels good but tastes even better when paired with your favorite ingredients.

But this is not the only way to use up stale bread. Some of my favorite way to use the bread is to make homemade croutons. I can flavor them however I want for my salads. Breadcrumbs are the same way; you add whatever herbs and spices you want for your coating. Thinly slice and toast to make crostini for bruschetta or pan con tomate. Top with some cheese and garlic butter for a homemade garlic bread.

Stale bread is great for panzanella salad. The bread soaks up the flavorful dressing making it super delicious. You can use it as a thickener for soup like ribolita or pappa al pomodoro. Finally, I love turning it into homemade dressing for a roast chicken dinner.

Versatility that Caters to All Tastes

Strata is an endlessly customizable dish. You can swap ingredients to suit any taste or dietary need. Try using different breads like sourdough for a slight tang or baguette for a bit more chew. Or try croissant for something flaky and flavorful.

Swap out the ham with bacon or sausage for a breakfast strata. Or try some turkey, rotisserie chicken, kielbasa or Italian sausage. You can even try vegetarian options such as sautéed mushrooms, leeks, caramelized onions, or spinach. By using gluten-free breads or plant-based vegan cheeses, you can make this dish accessible for everyone.

Benefit of Make-Ahead Brunch Casseroles

One of the top perks of a strata is the ability to prepare it in advance. Just assemble the casserole the night before, let it soak, and bake it in the morning. This time-saving approach means less stress and more fun on brunch day, letting you enjoy your guests and the meal.

Preparing a strata ahead of time offers several key benefits. The resting period gives the bread a chance to fully absorb the egg mixture. This results in a richer flavor and a more cohesive texture once baked. You can make it as little as a 2 hours up to 24 hours ahead of time.

This make-ahead approach also simplifies meal preparation, ensuring a convenient and delicious breakfast or brunch with minimal morning effort. Additionally, baking the strata after it has rested helps the top layer achieve a beautiful crispiness, creating an appealing contrast to the tender interior.

Finally, assembling everything ahead of time makes this a convenient and stress-free recipe. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It frees up your schedule and keeps you relaxed. This gives you plenty of time to focus on making memories with your family and friends.

Delicious Combination of Flavors for a Memorable Meal

The flavor profile of a ham and cheese strata is truly an American classic. You get layers of savory ham, melted cheddar, and egg-soaked bread, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite is hearty, comforting, and bursting with satisfying taste, making it a brunch favorite.

But you don’t have to stick with this ham and cheddar version. Personalizing your strata is half the fun. Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes for extra freshness and color. You can sprinkle in herbs or spices, such as chives or parsley. Add a pinch of paprika or try smoked paprika. If you like a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños, pinch of cayenne, or dash of hot sauce.

Serving Your Strata for Brunch

When it comes time to serve, slice the strata into squares and arrange them on a platter. Pair with a fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. For extra flair, offer toppings like salsa, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten up the plate.

I made my strata with leftover garlic knots from our favorite pizza delivery restaurant. Which is basically pizza dough brushed with garlic butter. For those that eat leftover pizza, you know the crust can be pretty dry. I knew my strata would need to soak overnight. I made it the night before to have for breakfast the next day. That egg custard soaked through those garlic knots making them tender and delicious.

It was hearty and tasty with all that ham and cheddar flavor. This ham and cheddar strata had a hint of garlic throughout making it even more scrumptious. I took a piece to work for lunch, too. So you know it reheats well. Just make sure you lower the power of the microwave so the cheese doesn’t get all weird. If you reheat it on high power, the oil separates from the protein which is not pleasant. Just lower the temperature and set the power to 50% and add a dash of milk or cream to keep the cheese from separating.

Ham and Cheese Strata

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and hello to flavor heaven with this Ham and Cheese Strata. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Give it a try!

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Ingredients

6 cups day old bread, cubed (I used garlic knots from the pizza parlor and some old Italian bread)
2 cups diced ham
1 cup shredded, cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Place the bread in a casserole dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle the ham and cheese over the bread and set aside.
Combine the eggs with the remaining ingredients. Stir with a whisk to combine.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture. Press down on the bread to make sure that it’s submerged in the egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour; overnight is best.
Preheat oven to 350.
Remove the strata from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour or until the eggs are set in the center. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 652Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 10gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 184mgSodium 1599mgCarbohydrates 78gFiber 4gSugar 10gProtein 34g