4cupscubed stale bread French baguetterustic, sourdough, regular, or gluten free
6large eggs
2cupswhole milk
4-6green onion chopped small or a small white or red onion
1cupchopped ham or cooked sausage/chorizoor cooked bacon
1small red pepper chopped small yellow or orange peppers work well too
1 ¾cupshredded Cheddar cheese
¼cupshredded mozzarella
¼teaspoonnutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan, by using a cooking spray, or a little bit of butter.
Take your choice of bread, whether it's a French baguette, rustic loaf, sourdough, regular, or gluten-free, and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Spread some of the bread on the bottom of a baking dish and add a generous portion of shredded (or cubed) cheese over the cubed bread. Remember to save some cheese for later.
Add your preferred ingredients to the dish. This can include layers of ham, cooked sausage or chorizo, or crispy bacon. For a touch of color and flavor, add finely chopped red peppers, or any pepper you have available.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together six large eggs and two cups of whole milk. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a flavor boost.
Pour the prepared egg mixture over the bread, cheese, and ingredients in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese, along with a quarter cup of shredded mozzarella, over the top of the strata. This cheese will form a golden, gooey crust during baking.
Securely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it rest overnight to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Before baking, allow the refrigerated strata to reach room temperature.
Baking Time: Bake your strata in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden-brown. A fully baked strata will be firm in the center without any jiggling.
Check the internal temperature of the strata, which should reach 160°F (71°C).
Once it's out of the oven, let your Ham and Cheese Strata rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
Customize Your Strata: Feel free to get creative with your choice of bread, cheese, and fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake until heated through.