Baked Ham Strata(Makes 8 Servings)
A savory baked casserole combining toasted bread, ham, and Swiss cheese, flavored with mustard and green onions, perfect for brunch, breakfast, or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 slices firm white bread ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter or oleo, softened ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 5 large eggs ⓘ
- 4 tsp. Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. Swiss or Jarlsberg cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. baked or broiled ham, diced ⓘ
- 3 green onions, trimmed, sliced and chopped ⓘ
- green onion curls (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Toast bread slices and spread one side of each with butter.
- Cut the toasted bread into 3/4-inch pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, Dijon-style mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer the bread pieces, diced ham, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the strata uncovered for about 45 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Garnish with green onion curls if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using sourdough or whole grain bread instead of white. You can substitute the Swiss cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder taste. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works in a pinch. Letting the strata sit overnight enhances the flavors, so plan ahead for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This baked ham strata is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of Beth'S Baked Beans for a hearty meal. A light green salad can also complement the dish nicely. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes. This ensures the dish stays moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ham Strata(Makes 8 Servings) contains roughly 546 calories, with 8g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 620mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this strata is ideal for making ahead. Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to bake it fresh in the morning for the best texture and taste.
Can I use other types of meat in the strata?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even leftover turkey. Just ensure the meat is cooked and diced before layering it into the dish for even cooking during baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Omit the ham and consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You might also want to increase the amount of cheese for a heartier vegetarian option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).