Simple Ham and Cheese Strata (best breakfast recipe!)
This ooey, gooey ham and cheese strata is the perfect make ahead weekend or holiday breakfast. Made with leftover ham and cheddar cheese, throwing this hearty casserole together is quick and easy, and the end result is pure deliciousness.
Every week, we barter for a loaf of sourdough bread with a friend. Oftentimes, it is gobbled up within the first few days after receiving it. But occasionally it sits on the counter untouched. When that’s the case, it’s the perfect excuse to make this ooey gooey ham and egg strata.
I always think of this casserole as the savory version of French toast casserole—just as tasty, with a lot less sugar!
Because it must be made the night before, it’s also a go-to Christmas morning breakfast in our home paired with some eggnog.
Ham and Cheese Strata Ingredients
Bread – Take your pick at the type! I like using sourdough, but a crusty baguette or whatever you have on hand would work great as well. If it’s a day old and a little stale, all the better!
Ham – This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham. Bacon or sausage would be great substitutes.
Cheese – Cheddar cheese is my favorite in this recipe, but any shredded cheese that melts well will work. Swiss, pepper jack, or Monterey are great alternatives (or a combination)!
Milk – Whole milk is our pick, but whatever type of milk you prefer.
Eggs
Salt & Pepper
Herbs (optional) – Feel free to doctor this ham and cheese strata up as you prefer. Fresh or dried thyme, basil, or parsley are all great options.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Strata
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Begin by generously greasing a 9×13 pan and then whisking together the milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and any additional herbs directly in the pan.
Add bread cubes, cheese, and ham to the liquid mixture and mix together until the bread is thoroughly moistened.
Set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes but ideally overnight.
Before baking, sprinkle the reserved ham and cheese over the top.
Bake at 25 minutes covered, followed by 15-20 minutes uncovered until the cheese is starting to brown.
Ham and Cheese Strata Recipe
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
– 7 cups packed bread, cubed
– 12 oz ham, diced
– 6 eggs
– 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1-¼ cup milk
– Pinch of Salt & Pepper
– (Optional) Herbs (i.e. thyme, basil, parsley)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Generously grease a 9×13” casserole dish.
3. Whisk together milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and any herbs directly in baking pan.
4. Add bread cubes, 1.5 cups of shredded cheese, and diced ham to the egg mixture.
5. Mix together until cubed bread is thoroughly moist.
6. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 8+ hours or overnight.
7. Before baking, sprinkle the rest of the cheese and any reserved ham over the top.
8. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered.
9. Remove from oven when the cheese is beginning to brown.
For more of our favorite breakfast recipes:
– Soaked and Baked Oatmeal
– Dutch Baby Pancake (Gluten Free)
– Homemade Sausage Patties (without the junk)
– Simple Breakfast Burritos
Ham and Cheese Strata
This ooey, gooey ham and cheese strata is the perfect make ahead weekend or holiday breakfast. Made with leftover ham and cheddar cheese, throwing this hearty casserole together is quick and easy, and the end result is pure deliciousness.
I always think of this casserole as the savory version of French toast casserole—just as tasty, with a lot less sugar!
Ingredients
- 7 cups packed bread, cubed
- 12 oz ham, diced
- 6 eggs
- 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1-¼ cup milk
- Pinch of Salt & Pepper
- (Optional) Herbs (i.e. thyme, basil, parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Generously grease a 9x13” casserole dish.
- Whisk together milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and any herbs directly in baking pan.
- Add bread cubes, 1.5 cups of shredded cheese, and diced ham to the egg mixture.
- Mix together until cubed bread is thoroughly moist.
- Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 8+ hours or overnight.
- Before baking, sprinkle the rest of the cheese and any reserved ham over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes covered, then 15-20 minutes uncovered.
- Remove from oven when the cheese is beginning to brown.
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