Oven Scrambled Strata
A comforting baked breakfast casserole featuring ham, cheese, and vegetables, perfect for holiday mornings or family brunches, with creamy eggs and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine bread, onion, green pepper, ham, and cheese in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Beat eggs, warm milk, salt, and bacon grease together.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture in the casserole dish.
- Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 to 1.5 hours until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack instead of just American cheese. You can also substitute the ham with cooked sausage or leftover chicken to create variations. If you prefer a lighter dish, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Ensure the bread is slightly stale for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Oven Scrambled Strata warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing brunch drink, like a mimosa or a fruit smoothie, for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the dish with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Scrambled Strata contains roughly 1467 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1645mg per serving (72% 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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You could also include a variety of cheeses to enhance the flavor, making it a hearty and satisfying meal without meat.
How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller portion?
To adjust the recipe for a smaller portion, you can halve all the ingredients and use an 8x8-inch baking dish instead of a 9x13-inch dish. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may be slightly less than the original, typically around 45-60 minutes until set and golden.
Can I add other ingredients like spinach or tomatoes?
Absolutely! Adding spinach, tomatoes, or even mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your Oven Scrambled Strata. Just make sure to sauté any added vegetables first to reduce moisture, which helps maintain the desired texture of the dish.
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).