Today’s Breakfast Strata is a recipe we got from a family friend years ago that has become a breakfast favorite.
It’s an easy make ahead breakfast casserole layered with bread cubes, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, ham, eggs, milk, and butter (all the best ingredients!) This casserole chills overnight so the bread can soak up the egg mixture, then bakes into a warm, cheesy dish every one loves.
We have made it for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, bridal and baby showers, and anytime we need breakfast ready without a lot of morning prep. We love that we can assemble it the night before, bake it in the morning and have a delicious but simple breakfast ready quick.
For more make ahead breakfast casseroles, check out our Potato Egg Casserole and French Toast Bake.
Why You’ll Love It + Why it work:
- Make the Night Before: Easy make-ahead breakfast casserole that chills overnight.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for holidays, brunches, weekends, and feeding overnight guests.
- Overnight Chilling Helps the Texture: The bread absorbs the egg mixture so the strata bakes up soft and flavorful.
- Covered Baking Prevents Over-Browning: Baking covered first helps the center cook evenly before the top finishes uncovered.
Stratat Recipe Ingredients
- White bread, cut into 1-inch squares (12 slices): Creates the base of the strata and soaks up the egg mixture.
- Monterrey jack cheese, shredded (2 cups): Melts into the layers and adds creamy, mild cheese flavor. Any of your favorite cheeses should work with this.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds sharper cheese flavor and a golden, cheesy finish.
- Cooked cubed ham (2 cups): Adds savory flavor and makes the casserole hearty and filling.
- Large eggs, room temperature (6): Binds the strata together and create the custard base.
- Milk, room temperature (3 cups): Adds moisture and helps the eggs soak into the bread.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Adds richness and buttery flavor throughout the casserole.
How to Make Breakfast Strata Recipe
PREP. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
ASSEMBLE. Layer 6 slices bread cubes, 1 cup monterey jack cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup cubed ham into the pan. Repeat layers.
In a separate bowl, whisk 6 eggs, 3 cups milk, and ½ cup melted butter in a bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
CHILL. Refrigerate, covered, overnight, or at least for 2 hours.
BAKE. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. No need to cover it, but if the top is browning too quickly tent it with a piece of foil.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Cut the bread into even 1-inch cubes so it soaks up the egg mixture evenly.
- Layer the bread, cheese, and ham twice so every serving has a good mix of ingredients.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk so the mixture blends smoothly with the melted butter.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the most even texture.
Breakfast Strata Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread, cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 cups monterrey jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked cubed ham
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups milk, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Layer half of the bread cubes on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by 1 cup Monterrey jack cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and 1 cup ham. Repeat layers once more.
- In a medium bowl, mix eggs, milk, and melted butter in a bowl. Pour over layers.
- Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the strata covered with aluminum foil for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly without overbaking the top.
Notes
- Cut the bread into even 1-inch cubes so it soaks up the egg mixture evenly.
- Layer the bread, cheese, and ham twice so every serving has a good mix of ingredients.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk so the mixture blends smoothly with the melted butter.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the most even texture.
- Make-ahead tip: assemble the strata the night before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake it in the morning.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQ
Make this recipe up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until baking.
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or divide them into an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze in freezer-safe containers for 2-3 months.
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This recipe was first shared May, 2016.
I volunteer in the kitchen at a day shelter for folks who are homeless/disenfranchished/mentally ill or just need food. I’m always looking for recipes that are relatively inexpensive and can be made with donated food items. This one is so easy, and it’s adaptable; I’ve made it with ham, bacon, sausage, or even kielbasa. Because there are so few ingredients that the recipe is easily doubled or tripled. I’ve also whipped up a few for guests, and they’ve been gobbled up.
Do you cook it covered?
This is part of our monthly rotation and I have witnessed fights over the last few crumbs! Delicious as is…and fun to play with the cheese combinations. Definitely a keeper 🙂
So happy to hear it is a favorite!
This is my go to breakfast when my kids have sleepovers. It’s always a crowd favorite!
Great recipe and easy to make. The flavor is very tasty and moist. No worries about overcooking this one. Just add a little herbs before putting the second layer and but less butter since it has a lot of cheese. A+++
Sounds and looks great! Can’t wait to try it this weekend!!!!!
THANKS