Breakfast Strata Recipe

This breakfast strata is great for brunches, holidays, or a yummy family breakfast!! With buttery layers of bread, ham, cheese, and egg, this Strata recipe is guaranteed to please any crowd!

One of our favorite breakfast casseroles/stratas perfect for weekends, brunches and holiday mornings!! Other favorites include our: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole and Biscuit Egg Casserole.

What is Strata?

Today’s recipe comes from a family friend. I tried it and instantly fell in love. I knew I needed this breakfast recipe for Ham and Cheese Strata because it was so cheesy, buttery, and delicious! But, what is strata?

The dish gets the name “strata” because it is made up of layers that oftentimes consist of bread, eggs, and cheese. Meats and even vegetables are sometimes included.

The egg mixture is poured over the layers of other ingredients, and then has to sit for a time, usually overnight, before it can be baked – in other words it’s a layered casserole.

This ham and cheese breakfast strata is exactly that! Layers of bread, ham, and cheese, with a delicious buttery egg mixture holding it all together! It’s right up there with our Biscuit Egg Casserole and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole.

How to Make EGG STRATA

Let me just tell you right now, this is one of the easiest breakfast casserole dishes to assemble.

Layer bread, cheese, and ham, combine ingredients for egg mixture, pour over layers, let it sit, and then bake.

So simple!

LAYER. In a greased 9×13 pan, layer half the bread, half the cheese and then the ham. Repeat these layers once more.

EGG MIXTURE. Mix the eggs, milk, and melted butter in a bowl then pour over the layers in the pan.

(TIP: The milk should be about room temperature before adding the melted butter. Otherwise, the butter will harden up into little flakes or droplets instead of mixing with the other two ingredients – we definitely don’t want that!)

CHILL. Refrigerate overnight for best results. If you’re on a time crunch, you can refrigerate it for at least for 2 hours.

BAKE. When you’re ready, bake the strata at 350° for 45-50 minutes. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

SO many layers of butter-y, cheesy goodness!

FAQ + STORING

Can you make strata ahead of time? Yes, you can make strata ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This recipe is best made when refrigerated overnight so making it ahead of time is encouraged.

Do you cover strata while baking? You don’t have to cover strata while baking, but it is recommended to cover the strata tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for an additional 25 – 30 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly and not overbake the top.

How long can Strata be refrigerated? Cover the leftover strata within 2 hours of baking and you can store it in fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months if stored properly.

Can I freeze a strata? Before baking, cover and freeze strata for 2-3 months. To cook, let thaw in fridge overnight and remove from fridge for 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake as directed in the instructions.

What is the difference between a frittata and a strata? A frittata is an unfolded Italian omelet with all the ingredients cooked on top. A strata is a layered casserole with milk, egg, cheese and bread made in a casserole dish.

This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Strata is definitely my family’s favorite breakfast casserole! Last time I made this, we couldn’t get enough of it and ate the whole dish in the first day. Horrible, I know, but it was just SO good!!

what can i serve with strata?

• Mini Cinnamon Rolls
• Slow Cooker Hash Brown Casserole
• Yogurt Fruit Dip
• Cherry Danish

For more strata and breakfast casseroles, check out:

• Cheesy Farmers Strata
• Breakfast Enchilada Casserole
• Biscuit Egg Casserole
• Eggs Benedict Casserole
• Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
• Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole