Breakfast Strata with Ham, Egg, and Cheese

Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a lazy weekend morning or a crowd-pleasing dish for a brunch gathering, this savory strata has it all.

With layers of toasted sourdough bread, savory ham, rich eggs, and melty cheese, this dish is a comfort food lover’s dream. It’s easy to make ahead, too, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients for the Strata

• 8 ounces sourdough bread – For a hearty, flavorful base that absorbs all the savory goodness.
• 8 ounces diced cooked ham – Adds a smoky, protein-packed bite.
• 1 cup 2% milk, whole milk, or heavy cream – Any of these options will give the strata a rich, creamy texture.
• 1/3 cup green onions, sliced thin – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic – For a fragrant depth of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – A classic seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
• ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg – Adds a warm, subtle spice to the egg mixture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor balance.
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten – The perfect binder for all the ingredients.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – For a rich, melty finish.

Required Kitchen Tools

Making this delicious breakfast strata is easy when you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together:

1. Baking Sheet: For toasting the bread cubes, ensuring they crisp up and absorb all the egg mixture.
2. 8-inch Square Baking Dish: A standard square baking dish will work best to hold all the layers and bake everything evenly.
3. Large Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic, and seasonings before pouring over the bread and ham.
4. Whisk: To mix the egg and milk mixture together smoothly.
5. Cooking Spray: To coat the baking dish for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Having these kitchen essentials will ensure your breakfast strata is a success!

Strata Preparation

Now that we have all the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to get started on making this delicious Breakfast Strata with Ham, Egg, and Cheese. The process is simple and straightforward, with a few steps to follow to ensure the dish comes out perfectly every time.

Toasting the Bread

The first step is to toast the sourdough bread cubes. This will help the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) – This temperature is perfect for toasting the bread and baking the strata to golden perfection.
2. Arrange the bread on a baking sheet – Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Coat with cooking spray – Give the bread cubes a light spray to help them crisp up as they bake.
4. Toast the bread – Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. You want the bread to be crispy but not too brown.

Assembling the Strata

Once the bread is toasted and ready, it’s time to assemble the strata. Follow these steps to layer everything together:

1. Spray the baking dish – Lightly coat your 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the strata from sticking.
2. Toss together the toasted bread and ham – In the prepared dish, combine the toasted bread cubes with the diced cooked ham. Spread them out evenly to create a base layer.
3. Prepare the egg mixture – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, garlic, green onions, pepper, nutmeg, and salt. This will create a creamy mixture that coats the bread and ham layers beautifully.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and ham – Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and ham, making sure every piece of bread is soaked in the egg mixture.
5. Sprinkle with cheese – Top the mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese. It will melt into the strata as it bakes, adding that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Optional: Make-Ahead Instructions

If you’re preparing this breakfast strata the night before, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least one hour (or overnight). This will allow the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.

Baking the Strata

Now that your strata is assembled, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection. Follow these steps for a beautifully puffed and cheesy breakfast strata:

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) – Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside to bake.
2. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The strata should puff up around the edges and develop a golden-brown top. If the center is still slightly jiggly, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
3. Check for doneness – Insert a knife into the center of the strata. If it comes out clean, the strata is ready. If there’s any wet egg mixture, bake for a few more minutes.
4. Cool slightly before serving – Let the strata cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.

Serving Tips

This Breakfast Strata with Ham, Egg, and Cheese is best served warm, straight from the oven. It’s perfect as a stand-alone dish or paired with a fresh fruit salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of crispy bacon for added crunch.

Additional Ingredient Variations

One of the best things about this Breakfast Strata is its versatility. You can easily customize it with different ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:

Meat Options

• Breakfast Sausage – Swap the ham for crumbled breakfast sausage for a spicier, more savory flavor.
• Bacon – Crispy bacon bits will add a smoky, crispy texture to the strata.
• Ground Beef – Seasoned ground beef can provide a heartier, more substantial option.

Vegetables

• Green Peppers – Add a pop of color and mild sweetness with green peppers, or try red or yellow bell peppers for a more vibrant dish.
• Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor to the strata.
• Tomatoes – Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes can add a tangy sweetness to the mix.
• Spinach – A great way to sneak in some greens, spinach adds a mild flavor and boosts the dish’s nutrition.

Cheese Variations

• Mozzarella – If you prefer a milder, more melty cheese, mozzarella is a great choice.
• Parmesan – For a sharper, more tangy flavor, Parmesan is an excellent addition or substitute.
• American Cheese – If you want that classic, creamy flavor, American cheese is perfect.

Fun Styles to Try

• Denver Omelet Style – Combine ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese for a classic Denver omelet-inspired strata.
• Mediterranean Style – Swap in spinach, red peppers, and crumbled feta cheese for a fresh, Mediterranean twist.
• Italian Style – Try sausage, pepperoni, Italian seasonings, and an Italian blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a pizza-like version.
• Mexican Style – Add seasoned ground beef or chorizo, tomatoes, green peppers, and Monterey Jack cheese for a fiesta-inspired strata.

Storage Instructions

After enjoying your delicious Breakfast Strata, you may have some leftovers to store for later. Here’s how to keep your strata fresh:

How to Keep Breakfast Strata Fresh

Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing Breakfast Strata

If you want to keep your strata for a longer period, freezing is an option. To freeze, allow the strata to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

This Breakfast Strata with Ham, Egg, and Cheese is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that can be tailored to fit any occasion. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with different ingredients, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The best part is that it’s simple enough for a weeknight breakfast or special enough for a weekend brunch gathering.