Asparagus and Ham Strata
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup half and half cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg ground
- 4 cups about 6 oz Italian or French bread cubed
- 1 1/4 cups Monterey Jack cheese, divided shredded
- 1 cup 1/2 inch deli ham cubed
- 1 cup asparagus fresh, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the first six ingredients until blended. Stir in bread, 1 cup cheese, ham and asparagus. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 40-50 minutes longer or until puffed, golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Freeze option: After assembling, cover and freeze strata. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 325°. Bake strata as directed, increasing time as necessary for a knife inserted in the center to come out clean.
Notes
Asparagus and Ham Strata
For a quick and easy make-ahead breakfast, do the prep work the night before. Next morning, just pop it in the oven. This casserole version of quiche is so hearty and delicious. — Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!