Egg And Ham Strata
Hearty breakfast strata packed with savory sausage, melted cheddar, and creamy soup—perfect for a comforting brunch that feeds a crowd or a lazy Sunday meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with Pam.
- Cut off the crusts from the bread and layer the bottom of the pan with slices.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain the excess fat, then spread it over the bread.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and optional sliced mushrooms on top of the sausage.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, and mustard together, then pour the mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Cover the dish and chill overnight.
- In a small saucepan, combine the can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup with milk; heat until warmed through.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chilled strata, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake at 300°F for 1 1/2 hours, or at 350°F for 1 hour, until the strata is set and golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also swap out the Cheddar for a milder cheese, such as Monterey Jack. If you want to add more vegetables, spinach or bell peppers work well. Prepare your strata the night before for better flavor absorption; chilling it overnight allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully.
Serving Suggestions
Egg and Ham Strata makes a hearty breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for a crowd. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links. For a more festive occasion, consider serving it with mimosas or coffee to elevate your brunch experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg And Ham Strata contains roughly 461 calories, with 19g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture, making for a tastier dish. Just remember to add the soup mixture right before baking.
What can I substitute for the sausage?
You can substitute the sausage with diced ham, cooked bacon, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Each will provide a unique flavor profile while still complementing the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. There are many gluten-free varieties available that work well in strata. Just ensure that any other ingredients, like the soup, are also gluten-free.
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).