Strata Recipe

4.97 from 76 votes

Breakfast Strata is an easy make-ahead casserole with bread, ham, Monterey Jack, cheddar, eggs, milk, and butter, perfect for brunch.

Prep Time10

Cook Time45

Chill Time4

Total Time4 55

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Equipment

9x13 baking dish

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 9x13 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.

Video

Notes

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.
Make-ahead tip: assemble the strata the night before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake it in the morning.

Make ahead of time. Make this recipe up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until baking.

Store. 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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