Ham 'N Cheese Strata
Ham 'N Cheese Strata is a savory baked casserole with Swiss cheese, ham, and mustard, perfect for brunch or family gatherings, offering comforting flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Combine shredded Swiss cheese, ground ham, and Dijon mustard.
- Spread half of the ham mixture on 5 slices of toasted and buttered bread.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread to make sandwiches.
- Quarter the sandwiches and arrange them standing crust side down in a buttered 2-quart rectangular pan, forming 3 rows.
- Combine milk and eggs, then pour over the tops and sides of the sandwiches.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the ham mixture. If you prefer a sharper taste, substitute the Swiss cheese with aged cheddar. For an alternative to Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard works well. If you're short on time, use pre-sliced bread and skip toasting; just ensure it’s slightly stale to absorb the egg mixture better.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham 'N Cheese Strata is perfect for brunch, served alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for balance. Pair it with a mimosa for a festive touch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted asparagus or hash browns. It also pairs beautifully with Hearty Nacho Dip if you're in the mood for a snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover strata 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 warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham 'N Cheese Strata contains roughly 820 calories, with 24g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% 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. Assemble the sandwiches and pour the milk and egg mixture over them, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, just bake it as directed. This makes it a great option for busy mornings.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
A sturdy bread like sourdough, whole grain, or Texas toast is ideal as it absorbs the egg mixture well without becoming too soggy. Avoid using very soft bread, as it may fall apart during baking.
Can I freeze the strata for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked strata for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
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).