Spring Breakfast Strata
A vibrant and hearty breakfast casserole that combines eggs, cheese, ham, and fresh spring vegetables for a satisfying start to your day. Perfect for brunch or family mornings, its flavorful layers and easy make-ahead prep make it a crowd-pleaser for spring gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 pound fully cooked ham, cubed ⓘ
- 10 ounces frozen cut asparagus, thawed or 2 cups fresh cooked asparagus ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat eggs; add milk, Dijon mustard, dried basil, and salt.
- Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cubed ham, thawed or cooked asparagus, and sliced mushrooms until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs and low-fat milk. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can work, though it will alter the flavor slightly. You can also substitute the ham with cooked sausage or bacon for a different protein option. If fresh asparagus is out of season, frozen works just fine and saves time in preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This Spring Breakfast Strata is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of Good Green Beans. For a complete meal, serve with a light yogurt parfait. You can also offer a selection of breads or pastries on the side. Consider serving with a light vinaigrette salad for balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 until warmed through. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spring Breakfast Strata contains roughly 1135 calories, with 15g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1623mg per serving (71% 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, this strata is ideal for make-ahead meals. Prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious when baked in the morning.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you're looking for alternatives to ham, cooked sausage, diced turkey, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed spinach or bell peppers can work well. Adjust seasoning accordingly to ensure the dish remains flavorful.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture content, which can affect the texture of the strata.
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).