Description
This Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata is the kind of easy breakfast casserole that makes any morning feel a little more special. With cubes of bread baked in a rich egg custard, plenty of melty cheese, and savory ham in every bite, it comes out golden, fluffy, and deeply comforting. It is a perfect choice for quick breakfast prep, weekend brunch, holiday breakfast ideas, or even an easy dinner when you want simple food ideas that still feel satisfying.
Ingredients
6 cups day-old bread, cubed
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup diced ham
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the chopped onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Stir the diced ham into the skillet and cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat.
5. Scatter the ham and onion mixture over the bread cubes.
6. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, reserving a small handful for the surface if desired.
7. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
8. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese mixture.
9. Press the bread down gently with a spatula so it can soak up the custard.
10. Let the strata sit for 20 to 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for make-ahead prep.
11. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
12. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for the best texture, because fresh bread can become too soft once it absorbs the custard.
For an overnight version, assemble everything the night before, cover the dish, and refrigerate it so breakfast is ready to bake the next morning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: homemade egg and cheese strata, easy breakfast casserole, breakfast ideas, brunch recipe, make ahead breakfast, holiday breakfast, easy recipe, food ideas