This Ham and Cheese Strata is a hearty, make-ahead casserole perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick weeknight meal.
Packed with protein from eggs and ham, fiber from bread, and rich, satisfying flavors from two kinds of cheese, it’s a wholesome, easy-to-prep dish that keeps well in the fridge or freezer—ideal for stress-free meal planning.
Ham and Cheese Strata
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 9 x 11 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil or cooking spray
Ingredients
- 10 cups cubed bread
- 3 cups cooked ham diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 9 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by greasing your 9 x 11-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. You can use butter, margarine, or a non-stick cooking spray. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides evenly, as this will ensure that your strata lifts out cleanly once baked. This step may seem small, but it’s key to a perfect, non-sticky finish.
- Layer the Bread Cubes: Take your cubed bread and evenly spread it across the bottom of the prepared dish. Make sure the cubes form a single, uniform layer that fills the dish without leaving large gaps. The bread acts as the base, soaking up the egg mixture and creating a soft, custardy texture once baked.
- Add the Ham: Sprinkle the cubed ham evenly over the layer of bread. You can use leftover cooked ham, freshly prepared ham, or pre-cooked store-bought ham. Distribute it evenly to ensure that every bite has a balanced amount of protein and flavor.
- Sprinkle the Cheeses: Combine your cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and sprinkle them evenly over the bread and ham layers. This combination melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey texture that binds the strata together and gives it a rich, savory flavor.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crack in all nine eggs.Add the milk, salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.Using a whisk, beat the mixture thoroughly until smooth and uniform. The eggs are the binding agent, while the milk keeps the custard tender and creamy. Make sure the seasoning is evenly incorporated for a balanced flavor.
- Pour the Egg Mixture Over Layers: Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ham, and cheese. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes if needed, ensuring they are fully soaked in the egg mixture. This step is essential for creating a soft, custardy interior.
- Cover and Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.This resting time allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a tender, flavorful strata that bakes evenly.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, remove the strata from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the strata cooks evenly and achieves a golden, slightly crisp top.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Keeping it covered initially allows the strata to steam and cook gently, preventing the top from over-browning while the center sets.
- Uncover and Brown the Top: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown, slightly puffed, and set in the middle. The puffiness indicates that the eggs have fully cooked and the strata has achieved its signature fluffy texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the strata from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–8 minutes. This resting period lets the custard firm slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the strata into squares or rectangles and serve warm. Pair with fresh fruit, a simple salad, or a light sauce if desired. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or reheated in the oven or microwave for a convenient, protein-packed meal.
- Optional Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Substitute cheeses such as Swiss, Gouda, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, mix in a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture before pouring over the strata.
Notes
- Use any type of bread: day-old bread, sourdough, croissants, or even sandwich rolls all work well.
- Cheese flexibility: Swap cheddar or Monterey Jack with Swiss, mozzarella, or Gouda for a different flavor.
- Ham options: Use leftover ham, freshly cooked ham, or store-bought cooked ham cubes.
- Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be layered in for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up: Mix in a dash of hot sauce, paprika, or chili flakes for a little kick.
- Refrigeration: Strata can be made the night before for convenience; allow the flavors to meld overnight.
- Freezing: Assemble but do not bake. Freeze in a tightly wrapped dish, thaw overnight, and bake as directed.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Strata
The secret to a perfect strata lies in balancing moisture and flavor.
Using slightly stale bread ensures it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy, while freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and creates that irresistible gooey texture.
Always whisk the eggs and milk until completely smooth; this helps the custard set uniformly.
Allowing the strata to rest overnight enhances flavor infusion, giving the dish a richer, more cohesive taste.
For extra golden tops, rotate the baking dish halfway through uncovered baking to ensure even browning.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
Ham and Cheese Strata is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
Serve it alongside fresh fruit for a light brunch, or with a simple mixed green salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
For a more indulgent meal, drizzle with a mild hollandaise sauce or pair with a light tomato-based salsa.
Miniature servings can be prepared in muffin tins for a portable breakfast option, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage Tips To Preserve Freshness
To keep your strata fresh, cover it tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or the whole dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
For longer-term storage, freeze unbaked strata in a freezer-safe dish wrapped with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, ensuring that the custard sets properly without excess moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes! Gluten-free bread works well, but it may absorb slightly less liquid. Allow the strata to sit a little longer in the refrigerator to ensure proper custard absorption.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the ham and add roasted vegetables, spinach, or tofu for protein. You may also add plant-based cheese for a fully vegetarian version.
3. How do I prevent the strata from being soggy?
Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly wet. Avoid overly liquidy milk or additional wet ingredients, and make sure to evenly distribute the custard over the bread.
4. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, the recipe is very flexible. Swiss, Gouda, mozzarella, or even a sharp provolone can be used. Just ensure the total cheese amount remains roughly the same for proper melting and flavor balance.
5. Can I prepare individual servings?
Definitely! Use muffin tins or small ramekins to create single-serving strata. Reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes, and keep an eye on the tops to prevent over-browning. These are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or portioned meal prep.
