Best 4 Make Ahead Ham And Cheese Strata Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our Make-Ahead Ham and Cheese Strata, a breakfast casserole that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. This versatile dish not only tantalizes taste buds but also offers meal-prep convenience, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or special brunch gatherings. With three variations included - Classic, Veggie, and Southwest - this strata caters to diverse dietary preferences and guarantees a satisfying experience for every palate. Prepared the night before, it allows flavors to meld overnight, resulting in a cohesive and delectable casserole that will impress your family and friends.

**Classic Ham and Cheese Strata:**

Savor the timeless combination of ham, cheese, and eggs in this classic strata. Diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese create a savory filling, while a creamy custard base ensures a tender and moist texture.

**Veggie Ham and Cheese Strata:**

For a healthier twist, this variation incorporates an array of colorful vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini add a vibrant crunch and a boost of nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

**Southwest Ham and Cheese Strata:**

Embark on a culinary adventure with this Southwestern-inspired strata. A blend of spices, such as chili powder and cumin, infuses the dish with a warm and smoky flavor. Black beans and corn add a delightful contrast of textures and create a satisfyingly hearty meal.

Each variation promises a unique taste experience, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of the original, the vibrant freshness of the veggie-packed option, or the bold flavors of the Southwest, this Make-Ahead Ham and Cheese Strata will surely become a favorite in your breakfast or brunch repertoire.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HAM 'N' CHEESE STRATA

Ham 'n' Cheese Strata image

Our daughter wouldn't mind if I made this Ham 'n' Cheese Strata every weekend! I do prepare it for each holiday, serving it alongside fresh cinnamon buns and a fruit salad. -Marilyn Kroeker, Steinbach, Manitoba

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Breakfast Brunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

12 slices white bread, crusts removed
1 pound fully cooked ham, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash cayenne pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup crushed cornflakes

Steps:

Arrange six slices of bread in the bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with ham and cheese. Cover with remaining bread. , In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper and cayenne. Stir in onion and green pepper; pour over all. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Pour butter over bread; sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375 calories, Fat 19g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 197mg cholesterol, Sodium 1081mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

HAM AND CHEESE STRATA

Ham and Cheese Strata image

This hearty make-ahead breakfast is infused with Dijon mustard and bakes up to a fluffy, golden finish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
10 large eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 loaf bread, Pullman or sandwich style, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound boiled or baked deli ham, chopped
5 scallions, chopped (1/2 cup)
8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

Steps:

Butter a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, paprika, and salt.
Place half of the bread in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with half each of the ham, scallions, and cheese. Repeat with a second layer of the remaining ham, scallions, and cheese, pressing down as necessary to fit in the baking pan.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over into the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pull strata out of fridge and let come to room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake the strata, uncovered, until puffed and lightly golden brown, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

COLORFUL HAM STRATA

Colorful Ham Strata image

Marilou's make-ahead breakfast bake is a cinch, particularly when leftover ham is used. Chock-full of peppers, onions and cheese, the eye-opener makes an ideal contribution to brunch buffets and is a great way to start the day.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Breakfast Brunch

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium onions, quartered and sliced
3/4 cup julienned green pepper
3/4 cup julienned sweet red pepper
1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham (3/4 pound)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute onions and peppers until tender. In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer half of each of the following: bread cubes, onion mixture, ham and cheese. Repeat layers., Whisk together eggs, milk, pepper and salt; pour over layers. Refrigerate, covered, overnight., Preheat oven to 350°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 203mg cholesterol, Sodium 1338mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

CHEESY HAM AND MUSHROOM STRATA

Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Strata image

Make this ham-and-cremini strata even more flavorful with a little Parmesan and a lot of Swiss cheese.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 9h20m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

Unsalted butter, for the baking dish
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups half-and-half
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
10 large eggs
One 12-ounce loaf rustic Italian bread, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes, preferably stale (about 6 cups)
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
6 ounces diced ham

Steps:

Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Whisk the half-and-half, Parmesan and eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the Swiss cheese, followed by the cooked mushrooms and the ham. Cover with the remaining bread cubes and pour the half-and-half mixture evenly over top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. (This can also be assembled the day of; just let soak at room temperature 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.)
On the day of baking, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Remove the plastic and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Swiss cheese. Bake until slightly puffed and just no longer jiggly in the center, 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

Choosing the right bread: Use a sturdy bread that can hold up to the custard and cheese, such as sourdough, French bread, or a hearty white bread.
Soaking the bread: Soaking the bread in the custard mixture helps to prevent it from becoming dry and tough in the oven.
Layering the strata: Layer the strata in a casserole dish, starting with a layer of bread, then a layer of ham and cheese, and repeating until all of the ingredients are used up.
Using a variety of cheeses: Feel free to use a variety of cheeses in your strata, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss.
Baking the strata: Bake the strata in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Serving the strata: Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

The make-ahead ham and cheese strata is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.