Faith'S Ham Strata
A hearty overnight ham and broccoli strata layered with cheese and bread, baked to perfection, ideal for brunch or family gatherings with creamy, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Defrost and drain the frozen chopped broccoli.
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cut the crusts from the bread and layer 6 slices in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer 6 slices of bread on top of the first layer.
- Spread a layer of grated Cheddar cheese over the bread.
- Add a layer of chopped cooked broccoli.
- Distribute chopped cooked ham over the broccoli layer.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread.
- Mix the milk, eggs, and salt together.
- Pour the milk mixture over the layered bread and cover.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Bake uncovered at 325°F for 50 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Cover with foil and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the cheese mixture. You can substitute the Cheddar with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. If you want to add more vegetables, consider mixing in bell peppers or spinach. To save time, use pre-cooked ham or even diced turkey from last night’s dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Faith's Ham Strata with a light salad, such as Pea Salad (Good For Picnics), to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a side of roasted vegetables. This recipe is perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast and can be accompanied by a refreshing beverage like orange juice or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Faith'S Ham Strata contains roughly 423 calories, with 12g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% 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 use whole grain bread instead of white bread?
Yes, whole grain bread can be used as a healthier alternative. It will add a nutty flavor and more fiber to the dish. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the layers and moisture from the milk mixture.
Can I make this recipe without ham?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers. You could also incorporate plant-based protein options if desired.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure that you layer the ingredients evenly and allow the strata to chill in the refrigerator overnight, which allows the bread to absorb the flavors without becoming overly wet. Additionally, using slightly stale bread helps it hold its texture better.
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).