Ham and Cheese Strata

Enjoy a hearty and comforting Ham and Cheese Strata with this easy-to-follow recipe. Ideal for any occasion, it’s sure to be a family favorite!
4.93 from 14 reviews

Ham and Cheese Strata is a simple overnight casserole recipe that’s so good for breakfast, brunch, or even a weeknight meal! Made with eggs, bread, ham, and two kinds of cheese, this make-ahead recipe lets you relax and enjoy time around the table with family and friends.

Ham and Cheese Strata is a simple overnight casserole recipe that's so good for breakfast, brunch, or even a weeknight meal! Made with eggs, bread, ham, and two kinds of cheese, this make-ahead recipe lets you relax and enjoy time around the table with family and friends.
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Reader Comment

Delicious! This is the only recipe that I’ve made for this type of dish that my husband likes. I think it has to do with the consistency of the bread in the strata. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!

Cindy

If I asked my family what their favorite meal is, I have no doubt they’d say breakfast. They absolutely love eggs and everything that goes with them.

Since they are passionate about “all things breakfast,” I thought I’d try a new recipe for them. My version of a classic strata recipe combines eggs, ham, bread, two kinds of cheese, and just the right seasoning to make a delicious breakfast casserole dish that was an instant hit.

What Is A Strata?

You might wonder what makes this different from a ham and cheese breakfast casserole. A breakfast strata is defined by the use of an egg custard mixture, meaning eggs and cream, while a breakfast casserole can use just eggs.

How To Make Ham And Cheese Strata

Ingredients for ham and cheese strata in clear glass bowls with a large white bowl for mixing.

Ingredients

  • You’ll need eggs, ham, milk, and cheese for the base. I like to use leftover Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham. I use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterrey jack cheese for the cheese.
  • Grab stale bread or rolls. Any bread will work as long as it is stale enough to withstand overnight soaking.
  • You need garlic powder, dry ground mustard, salt, and pepper to keep things simple but the flavor big.

Change It Up: Variations & Additions

  • You can use simple ingredients like cubbed ham, freshly cooked ham, or leftover ham from any holiday party or holiday brunch.
  • Swiss cheese, mozzarella, gouda are all great to use in this recipe
  • For the bread, I usually use whatever is on sale at the store, but you can use any rolls, loaf bread, sourdough bread, white bread, or even croissants.
  • Add a little hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.
  • Add roasted or sauteed veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a fresh twist.

Step By Step

Photo 1-eggs and milk with salt and pepper in a glass mixing bowl, Photo 2 - eggs whisked, Photo 3 - casserole dish with cubed bread topped with cheese and ham, Photo 4 - baked ham and cheese strata in a casserole dish.
  1. Crack 9 eggs into a medium-sized bowl. Add milk and sprinkle in dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Whisk together until well blended.
  3. Butter a 9 x 11-inch casserole dish, then cube or tear sliced bread or rolls. Cube or slice 3 cups of ham and sprinkle it over the bread. Grate the cheddar and Monterrey cheese and layer it over the ham. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese. Cover it with aluminum foil and place it in the fridge overnight.
  4. When it’s time to bake, remove the Strata from the fridge and set the oven to 375. Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 15.

Donya’s Success Tips

  • Day-old or stale bread is highly recommended, so leave it on the counter the night before making the strata.
  • This recipe is best made ahead of when you want to serve it so that the bread can soak up all the flavors of the custard mixture.
  • Once baked, let the strata sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice.
Wooden spoon holding scoop of ham and cheese strata.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this breakfast strata be frozen?

To freeze, assemble the strata in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy it, thaw the strata in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Can I make a vegetarian version of strata?

A vegetarian version of strata is easy to make by removing the ham and replacing it with your favorite vegetables. My favorites are spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

What should I do if my strata isn’t setting in the middle?

Use a knife or toothpick inserted into the center of the strata to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, the strata is set. If it’s still runny, keep baking, checking every 5-10 minutes.

What To Serve With Ham And Egg Bake

On Easter or Christmas morning, strata is great served with brown sugar pepper bacon, orange glazed muffins and fruit salad. It also makes a terrific dinner with spinach strawberry salad.

If you need more overnight brunch recipes to serve, try my French Toast Breakfast Casserole or this Sausage and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole.

White dish with a serving of ham and cheese strata with a silver fork.

More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love

If you try this Ham and Cheese Strata Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!

Ham and Cheese Strata

4.93 from 14 reviews
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Refrigerate Overnight: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 403kcal
Print Pin Rate
Ham and Cheese Strata is a simple overnight casserole recipe that's so good for breakfast, brunch, or even a weeknight meal! Made with eggs, bread, ham, and two kinds of cheese, this make-ahead recipe lets you relax and enjoy time around the table with family and friends.

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 10 cups bread – cubed
  • 3 cups cooked ham – cubed
  • 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese – grated
  • 1 ½ cup Monterrey cheese – grated
  • 9 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Butter or coat with cooking spray a 9 x11 inch baking dish. Layer in bread, ham, and cheeses.
  • In a medium-size bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, mustard, garlic powder, and pepper. Slowly pour over bread, ham, and cheese. Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Take strata out of the fridge. Heat oven to 375. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Remove foil and continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffy.
  • Remove from oven, let cool for 5-8 minutes and serve. Can be stored, covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

Recipe Variations:
  • You can use cubbed ham, freshly cooked ham, or leftover ham from any holiday party.
  • Swiss cheese, mozzarella, gouda are all great to use in this recipe
  • For the bread, I usually use whatever is on sale at the store, but you can use any rolls, loaf bread, sourdough bread, or even croissants.
  • Add a little hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.
  • Add roasted or sauteed veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a fresh twist.
Leftovers: 
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the oven or microwave.
How To Freeze:
  • Assemble the strata in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy it, thaw the strata in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 403kcal · Carbohydrates: 25g · Protein: 27g · Fat: 21g · Saturated Fat: 10g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g · Monounsaturated Fat: 6g · Trans Fat: 0.03g · Cholesterol: 230mg · Sodium: 1134mg · Potassium: 328mg · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 5g · Vitamin A: 625IU · Vitamin C: 8mg · Calcium: 392mg · Iron: 3mg

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18 Comments

  1. The pepper qty listed is 1.4 tsp. Does this mean just under a teaspoon & a half? Or was that meant to be 1/4 tsp? There’s a massive disparity between the two. I’m in the process of assembling the egg mixture right now, so I guess I’ll go with the lesser amt & cross my fingers.

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