Ham Egg and Cheese Breakfast Strata
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.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- 8-inch Square Baking Dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 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.
Instructions
Toasting the Bread
- This temperature is perfect for toasting the bread and baking the strata to golden perfection.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
- Give the bread cubes a light spray to help them crisp up as they bake.
- 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
- Lightly coat your 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the strata from sticking.
- In the prepared dish, combine the toasted bread cubes with the diced cooked ham. Spread them out evenly to create a base layer.
- 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.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and ham, making sure every piece of bread is soaked in the egg mixture.
- Top the mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese. It will melt into the strata as it bakes, adding that irresistible cheesy goodness.
Baking Instructions
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside to bake.
- 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.
- 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.
- Let the strata cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.