This ham and cheese breakfast strata brings that same warmth to every table. It’s a simple make-ahead bake with layers of bread, cheese, and savory ham soaked in creamy eggs. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or any morning you want something special without a fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare ahead bake fresh in the morning.
• Uses simple ingredients and pantry staples.
• Perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, and savory.
• Feeds a crowd with minimal cleanup.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Step	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Chill Time (optional)	8 hours (overnight)
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Active Time	1 hour

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 8 cups cubed day-old French bread
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ small onion, diced (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Optional Swaps:

• Use turkey ham for a leaner version.
• Substitute gruyere for Swiss for a richer flavor.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half the bread cubes evenly across the dish.
3. Layer half the ham and cheese on top.
4. Add remaining bread, ham, and cheese.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread layers, pressing lightly to soak.
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight (optional for deeper flavor).
8. When ready, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until golden and set.
10. Cool for 5 minutes, garnish, and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad. For brunch, pair with orange juice, mimosas, or coffee.

Quick Tips or Variations

• Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing for clean portions.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for aroma.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I make ham and cheese breakfast strata ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the strata, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for easy prep.

2. What kind of bread is best for a breakfast strata?
Use sturdy, day-old French bread, sourdough, or brioche. Avoid soft sandwich bread — it can turn mushy.

3. How do I keep my strata from being soggy?
Ensure the bread is slightly stale and don’t overfill with milk. Bake uncovered so the top gets golden and crisp.

4. Can I freeze ham and cheese breakfast strata after baking?
Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This ham and cheese breakfast strata is comfort food made easy creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for weekends or holiday mornings. Bake once, and it’ll become your new family favorite.

Print