Ham and Cheese Strata

As far as make-ahead breakfast casseroles go, this ham and brie strata is a comfort at the next level.

With luxurious brie cheese rolled into honey ham, the flavors pop off the fork and are perfectly impressive for brunch.

You Can Make It Your Way

Strata dishes are really flexible for breakfast. You can put in whatever you like or have in your fridge. Love cheese and veggies? Add them in.

Do you prefer meat like ham or sausage? Go for it. We just don’t recommend overstuffing the strata with too many ingredients.

Ham Leftovers: Breakfast casserole recipes are fantastic to use up holiday ham leftovers, like we do when we make ham in a pressure cooker.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Fresh White Mushrooms, sliced
• Diced Onion
• Minced Garlic
• French bread cut into 1-inch pieces
• Cubed Honey Ham
• Brie Cheese, rind removed, cut into pieces
• Chopped Fresh Baby Spinach
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt and black pepper

Make Ahead Breakfast Strata

We made this ham and brie casserole as a make-ahead. This means we prepped the day before and refrigerated for the day of cooking.

However, if making day of, you should still allow an hour for the egg mixture to soak into the bread. Continue with the baking after the prep.

How to make Cheese and Ham Strata for Breakfast

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are soft and the onions are translucent, about 7-8 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with nonstick cooking spray.

Arrange the French bread pieces evenly in the dish.

Layer the cooked mushroom mixture over the bread.

Follow by evenly distributing the honey ham, brie cheese, and fresh spinach.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Season with salt and pepper.

Pour this mixture gently over the layers in the baking dish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Allow the egg mixture to soak into the bread for at least an hour. If making ahead of time, refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 35–45 minutes. It’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center of the bread mixture is set.

Let stand for 5–10 minutes before serving hot.

Brunch Ideas

Side dish for ham strata: Fresh Tropical Fruit Salad

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

French Toast Casserole

Southern Fried Apples

Hash Browns in Oven (Crispy and Cheesy Recipe!)

Extra Ingredients and Variations

Meats: cooked crispy Bacon, crumbled; Breakfast Sausage, browned and crumbled.

Vegetables: Bell Peppers, Broccoli Florets, Cherry Tomatoes, Zucchini (sliced and sautéed), asparagus (blanched and chopped), Caramelized Onions

Herbs and Spices: Fresh Basil, Chives, Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes, or Dried Italian Seasoning

Bread Types: Sourdough, Whole Grain Bread, or Croissants

What is a strata?

A strata is a tasty dish often served at holiday breakfast or brunch. It’s like a savory version of bread pudding or a casserole with layers.

The word “strata” means layers, perfectly describing how this dish is made.

How long can I store cheese and ham strata?

The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.