Breakfast Bakes

Ham and Cheese Strata

Name: Ham and Cheese Strata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups (720g) cubed bread, preferably day-old bread; 1 pound (450g) diced ham; 2 cups (220g) grated cheddar cheese; 1 cup (110g) grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley

By Carol Bennett · June 18, 2026 · Breakfast Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a Ham and Cheese Strata for my family. It was a Sunday morning, and we were all gathered in the kitchen, waiting for breakfast. I had heard of this dish before, but I had never made it myself. I was a bit skeptical at first, but as soon as it came out of the oven, the aroma filled the entire house, and we all knew we were in for a treat.

The combination of ham, cheese, and bread, baked to a golden brown perfection, was absolute magic. It was love at first bite, and from that day on, Ham and Cheese Strata became a staple in our household. I make it for special occasions, like holidays and birthdays, but also for regular weekends, when we just want a delicious and comforting meal.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze it, and bake it when you're ready. It's perfect for busy families, like mine, who need a meal that can be prepared quickly and easily. And the best part? It's a one-dish wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a Ham and Cheese Strata that's sure to become a favorite in your household. From the preparation of the ingredients to the baking and serving, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your strata turns out perfect every time.

So, let's get started, and make some delicious Ham and Cheese Strata together! Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. It's a classic dish that never goes out of style, and with my guidance, you'll be able to make it like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.
It's a great way to use up leftover bread and ham, making it a budget-friendly option.
The strata can be made ahead of time, refrigerated or frozen, and baked when you're ready, making it perfect for busy families.
It's a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, making it a great option for any meal.
The combination of ham, cheese, and bread is a classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions, like holidays and birthdays, but also for regular weekends, when you just want a delicious and comforting meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Ham and Cheese Strata is the layering of the ingredients. By alternating between bread, ham, and cheese, you create a dish that's both flavorful and textured. The bread soaks up the juices from the ham and cheese, while the ham and cheese add a salty, savory flavor to the bread.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the baking time and temperature. By baking the strata at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, you ensure that the bread is toasted to perfection, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a golden brown crust on top, and a creamy, cheesy center.

The resting time is also crucial, as it allows the strata to set, making it easier to slice and serve. And, by letting it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, you ensure that the flavors have melded together, and the strata has reached its full potential.

Overall, the combination of layering, baking, and resting makes this Ham and Cheese Strata a true showstopper. It's a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends, and become a staple in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a Ham and Cheese Strata, the ingredients are crucial. You'll need a combination of bread, ham, cheese, and eggs, as well as some salt, pepper, and butter. The key is to use high-quality ingredients that will add flavor and texture to the dish.

For the bread, I recommend using a crusty bread, like baguette or ciabatta, which will hold up well to the liquid ingredients. For the ham, you can use any type of ham you like, but I prefer a salty, savory ham, like prosciutto or serrano ham. And, for the cheese, you can use a combination of cheddar and parmesan, which will add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish.

6 cups (720g) cubed bread, preferably day-old breadThe bread should be cubed into 1-inch pieces, and it's best to use a crusty bread, like baguette or ciabatta, which will hold up well to the liquid ingredients. You can also use leftover bread, like bagels or English muffins, which will add a nice texture to the dish.
1 pound (450g) diced hamYou can use any type of ham you like, but I prefer a salty, savory ham, like prosciutto or serrano ham. Make sure to dice the ham into small pieces, so it distributes evenly throughout the strata.
2 cups (220g) grated cheddar cheeseYou can use a combination of cheddar and parmesan cheese, which will add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish. Make sure to grate the cheese freshly, as it will melt better and add more flavor to the strata.
1 cup (110g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish, and it's best to grate it freshly, as it will melt better and add more flavor to the strata.
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milkYou can use any type of milk you like, but whole milk will add a richer, creamier flavor to the dish. Make sure to use it at room temperature, as it will mix better with the other ingredients.
2 large eggsThe eggs will add moisture and richness to the dish, and make sure to beat them well, so they distribute evenly throughout the strata.
1/2 teaspoon saltYou can use any type of salt you like, but I prefer kosher salt, which has a milder flavor and will add a better texture to the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperYou can use any type of pepper you like, but I prefer black pepper, which has a sharper flavor and will add a better texture to the dish.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, meltedThe melted butter will add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish, and make sure to use unsalted butter, as it will have a milder flavor and won't overpower the other ingredients.
2 cloves garlic, mincedThe garlic will add a pungent flavor to the dish, and make sure to mince it well, so it distributes evenly throughout the strata. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt, if you prefer a milder flavor.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyThe parsley will add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish, and make sure to chop it well, so it distributes evenly throughout the strata. You can also use other herbs, like thyme or rosemary, if you prefer a different flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhisk9x13-inch baking dish

How to Make Ham and Cheese Strata

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large skillet, sauté the diced ham over medium heat, until it's lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the ham from the skillet, and set it aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the chopped parsley, and sauté for another minute, until the parsley is wilted. Set the skillet aside.
4
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, until well combined.
5
Add the cubed bread to the bowl, and toss until the bread is evenly coated with the egg mixture.
6
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the bread mixture in the bottom of the dish.
7
Add the sautéed ham, grated cheddar cheese, and grated parmesan cheese on top of the bread mixture.
8
Pour the remaining egg mixture over the ham and cheese, and top with the remaining bread mixture.
9
Dot the top of the strata with the melted butter, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
11
Remove the foil, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown, and the strata is set.
12
Remove the strata from the oven, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

Use day-old bread, as it will absorb the liquid ingredients better, and add a nicer texture to the dish.
Don't overmix the egg mixture, as it will make the strata tough and dense.
Add the cheese in layers, as it will melt better, and add a creamier flavor to the dish.
Don't overbake the strata, as it will dry out, and lose its creamy texture.
Let the strata rest for at least 10-15 minutes, before slicing and serving, as it will allow the flavors to meld together, and the strata to set.
You can make the strata ahead of time, and refrigerate or freeze it, until you're ready to bake it.
Experiment with different types of cheese, meats, and herbs, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Serve the strata with a side salad, or a fruit platter, for a well-rounded meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using too much liquid, which will make the strata soggy, and unappetizing.
Not letting the strata rest, which will make it difficult to slice, and serve.
Overbaking the strata, which will dry it out, and make it tough.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which will affect the flavor, and texture of the dish.
Not following the recipe, which will result in a strata that's not set, or not flavorful.
Not using the right type of bread, which will affect the texture, and flavor of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced vegetables, like bell peppers, or onions, to add a pop of color, and flavor to the dish.
Use different types of cheese, like feta, or goat cheese, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some cooked sausage, or bacon, to add a meaty flavor to the dish.
Use different types of bread, like croissants, or bagels, to add a unique texture to the dish.
Add some fresh herbs, like thyme, or rosemary, to add a fragrant flavor to the dish.
Make individual strata, in ramekins, or mini cast-iron skillets, for a cute, and elegant presentation.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Strata

The Ham and Cheese Strata is a versatile dish, that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. You can serve it with a side salad, or a fruit platter, for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with some toasted bread, or crackers, for a snack, or light lunch.

For a special occasion, you can add some garnishes, like fresh herbs, or edible flowers, to make the dish more elegant, and impressive. You can also serve it with a side of hash browns, or roasted potatoes, for a hearty, and comforting meal.

Serve with a side salad, or a fruit platter, for a well-rounded meal.Serve with some toasted bread, or crackers, for a snack, or light lunch.Serve with some hash browns, or roasted potatoes, for a hearty, and comforting meal.Add some garnishes, like fresh herbs, or edible flowers, to make the dish more elegant, and impressive.Serve with a side of soup, or a green salad, for a filling, and satisfying meal.Serve with some grilled meats, or vegetables, for a well-rounded, and delicious meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Ham and Cheese Strata can be made ahead of time, and refrigerated, or frozen, until you're ready to bake it. To refrigerate, cover the dish with plastic wrap, or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator, for up to 24 hours. To freeze, cover the dish with plastic wrap, or aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer, for up to 2 months.

To reheat the strata, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the strata is set, and the cheese is melted, and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, for 2-3 minutes, until the strata is set, and the cheese is melted, and bubbly.

It's also important to note, that the strata will keep for 3-5 days, in the refrigerator, and can be reheated, as needed. You can also freeze the strata, and reheat it, when you're ready, for a convenient, and delicious meal.

When reheating the strata, make sure to cover it with foil, to prevent it from drying out, and to keep it moist, and creamy. You can also add some extra cheese, or cream, to the strata, to make it even more rich, and decadent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the strata ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the strata ahead of time, and refrigerate, or freeze it, until you're ready to bake it. Just make sure to follow the storage instructions, and reheat it, when you're ready, for a delicious, and convenient meal.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, like feta, or goat cheese, to add a unique flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the amount of cheese, according to the recipe, and to your taste.

Can I add some vegetables to the strata?

Yes, you can add some diced vegetables, like bell peppers, or onions, to add a pop of color, and flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, according to the recipe, and to your taste.

How do I reheat the strata?

Can I make individual strata?

Yes, you can make individual strata, in ramekins, or mini cast-iron skillets, for a cute, and elegant presentation. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, according to the recipe, and to your taste.

How long does the strata keep?

The strata will keep for 3-5 days, in the refrigerator, and can be reheated, as needed. You can also freeze the strata, and reheat it, when you're ready, for a convenient, and delicious meal.

Can I use leftover bread?

Yes, you can use leftover bread, like bagels, or English muffins, to add a unique texture to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the amount of bread, according to the recipe, and to your taste.

Can I add some meat to the strata?

Yes, you can add some cooked sausage, or bacon, to add a meaty flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, according to the recipe, and to your taste.

The Full Recipe

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