Breakfast Strata
Layers of crusty bread, melty cheese, and savory ham come together in this crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole.
The overnight prep means you’ll wake up ready to pop it in the oven. Perfect for holiday mornings or when you’re hosting brunch for friends.
Variations & Substitutions
You can swap ham for breakfast sausage or bacon for a meatier twist. For cheese lovers, try Monterey Jack or Gruyere instead of cheddar.
Vegetarians can load up on mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. The bread choice matters too – while I adore French bread, sourdough brings a tangy twist that’s absolutely delightful.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
The key to a fantastic strata is in the timing and texture. Fresh bread soaks up the egg mixture faster, but day-old bread works beautifully too – just give it extra soaking time.
I always make sure my bread is fully saturated before baking. For the best results, bring the strata to room temperature while your oven preheats. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
Making the Recipe Stand Out
I love adding unexpected elements to make this dish pop. Try caramelized onions for sweetness, or mix in some fresh herbs. The cheese combination is crucial – I recommend using two different types for complex flavor.
Don’t skip the ground mustard – it adds a subtle depth that really elevates the dish. A sprinkle of chives on top adds both color and fresh flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Your strata will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For reheating individual portions, pop them in the toaster oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds. When reheating the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes3.
Breakfast Strata
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk or half & half
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups smoked gouda cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup scallions chopped
- 12- ounce French bread loaf
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, mustard, and garlic powder in a large bowl
- Stir in cheeses, ham, and scallions
- Tear bread into 1-2 inch chunks and place in baking dish
- Pour egg mixture over bread, fold gently to distribute ingredients
- Cover and refrigerate (minimum 1 hour, up to 18 hours)
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 45-50 minutes until puffy and golden
