Ham Strata(Brunch Do-Ahead)
A savory make-ahead brunch casserole combining ham, cheese, green peppers, and scallions layered with bread, perfect for entertaining or weekend mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Overlap bread in rows in the bottom of a 3-quart oblong baking dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped baked ham, grated cheddar cheese, diced green peppers, and sliced scallions.
- Beat eggs in a large bowl.
- Beat in milk, dry mustard, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the egg mixture. For a twist, substitute the ham with cooked bacon or sausage. If you prefer a creamier texture, swap some of the milk for heavy cream. Make sure to use day-old bread to help it absorb the egg mixture better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham strata warm, garnished with additional scallions for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete brunch. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside American recipes like Broccoli And Bacon Quiche for a varied spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the strata with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Strata(Brunch Do-Ahead) contains roughly 963 calories, with 34g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (313% of the Daily Value), iron (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% 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 prepare the ham strata the night before?
Yes, this recipe is designed for make-ahead convenience. You can assemble the strata the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy brunch option.
What can I use instead of green peppers?
If you want to substitute green peppers, try using diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a different flavor profile. You can also mix in other vegetables like zucchini or roasted red peppers for added color and taste.
Can I freeze the ham strata?
Yes, you can freeze the ham strata before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. It may take a few extra minutes in the oven to cook through, so check for doneness with a knife.
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).