Description
Overnight Ham Swiss Cheese Strata delivers pure breakfast comfort straight from your kitchen, making mornings deliciously simple with layers of bread, eggs, and savory ham melted together.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes (sourdough or French)
- 6 large eggs
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
- Create the first layer by spreading 2 cups of bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish, making sure they create a uniform base.
- Distribute 1 cup of diced ham over the bread cubes, followed by 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese to create a delicious first layer.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining 2 cups of bread cubes, 1 cup of ham, and 1 cup of cheese, building a hearty and flavorful strata.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack 6 large eggs and add 2 cups of whole milk, whisking them together until completely smooth and combined.
- Blend 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the egg mixture, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, gently pressing down to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak thoroughly.
- Remove the strata from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for precise and even cooking.
- Uncover the dish and place it in the preheated oven, baking for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the strata rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to firm up and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Chilling the strata overnight allows bread to soak up egg mixture, creating a richer, more cohesive texture.
- For a lighter version, swap whole milk for skim or use low-fat Swiss cheese to reduce calories.
- Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or challah for varied flavor and texture.
- Add chopped herbs like thyme or chives to the egg mixture for extra depth and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Ham
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg