Ham And Cheese Strata(One Dish Meal)
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining ham, broccoli, and bread for a comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place six slices of bread on the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cover with 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, thawed broccoli, chopped ham, and remaining bread slices cut in half diagonally.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Beat eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Blend in milk and dry mustard.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and ingredients.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the strata. If you prefer a different cheese, Swiss or Gouda can be excellent substitutes for mild Cheddar. For a lighter version, replace regular cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese, and use whole grain bread for added nutrition. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can save you some preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ham And Cheese Strata warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as Peach'S Broccoli Salad, for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner, and it can also be served with a dollop of salsa for a zesty kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Cheese Strata(One Dish Meal) contains roughly 592 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg 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 strata ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strata the night before. Simply layer the ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while preheating the oven, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you're looking for a meat substitute, cooked turkey, bacon, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach can work well. For a completely vegetarian dish, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute such as tofu.
Can I freeze the leftover strata?
Yes, you can freeze the strata before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual. This can make for a quick and easy meal later!
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).