Strata Recipe
User Reviews
5
Strata Recipe
Description
The Strata Recipe combines cubes of white bread with shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, and cooked ham, layered in a baking dish. A mixture of eggs, milk, and melted butter is poured over the layers, then the dish is covered and refrigerated for several hours or overnight to let the custard soak in.
During baking, the custard sets and transforms the bread into a tender, pudding-like texture with melted cheese throughout. Baking first covered and then uncovered helps ensure even cooking and prevents overbrowning.
This dish works well as a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, delivering a rich combination of creamy texture and savory flavor. Leftovers can be kept refrigerated for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
For smoother custard, use milk and eggs at room temperature before mixing. The dish’s texture improves with overnight refrigeration as the bread absorbs the custard fully. Covering with foil during the first part of baking helps cook evenly without drying the top.
Ingredients
- 12 lices white bread cut into 1-inch squares
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups ham cooked, cubed
- 6 large egg 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.
Notes
- Use room-temperature milk and eggs to ensure the custard mixes smoothly without lumps.
- Refrigerate the assembled strata overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully for the best texture.
- Leftovers keep well in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for 2 to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 639 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 639kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 249mg | 83% |
| Sodium | 1395mg | 58% |
| Potassium | 420mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1155IU | 23% |
| Calcium | 572mg | 57% |
| Iron | 2.8mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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