Shelly's Recipe

HAM & CHEESE STRATA

Category: Breakfast Casseroles

1 (20 oz) large loaf Italian or French bread, cubed
1 cup cooked ham, cubed, or 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic, or 1 garlic clove
1 cup assorted veggies; mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, red peppers, etc, sauteed or steamed until al dente, optional
3 tbsp butter
3 1/2 cups light cream, half & half or low fat milk
12 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
2-3 tbsp spicy grain prepared mustard
2 cups total shredded cheese; combination of cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, Monterey Jack, etc
Sprinkle of Mrs. Dash or similar herb seasoning

Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with vegetable spray. Set aside.

Cook ham or bacon until done. Drain on paper towels. Saute the onion and garlic together in butter.

If using veggies, saute or steam until desired doneness.

Place half the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk or beat cream, half & half or milk, eggs, salt, nutmeg, pepper and mustard until foamy and blended well. Remove from mixer and add cheese.

Layer half the onions, veggies if using them and bacon or ham on top of the bread. Pour half the milk and egg mixture over the bread. Repeat with another layer of bread and all the toppings, finishing off with the remaining milk and egg mixture. Press the mixture down with clean hands until all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle with Mrs.Dash. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the top, press again, and refrigerate the strata at least 8 hours or overnight.

In the morning, preheat the oven to 350. Bake for 65 - 80 minutes, or until knife comes out clean. Let cool about 15 minutes before serving. Be careful, the strata will be hot. Serves 8 to 10 main size portions, or 15 -20 brunch size servings. Refrigerate any leftovers.