Quick and Easy: Ham and Cheese Strata

There are some recipes that have been around a long, long time..and you try them and think…

Why?

But strata is one of those ancient recipes that began because some busy homemaker had some leftover ham, some cheese, a few eggs, and not much time. It has stayed around because, well, it is just good, simple food. And it is quick.

Did I mention versatile?

You can vary the cheese used, the meat, the amounts of eggs. You can add herbs or vegetables, or potatoes…or ALL of that. You can even change the types of bread used. So imagine a chicken and broccoli strata with Gruyere and sour dough…or a hamburger, potato and onion strata with cheddar and rye..the possibilities really are endless. Gotta love it. You can even make ahead and bake the next day.

I found myself in that very position yesterday..hungry family, not much time, and not much in the fridge. Grabbed a fresh salad from the garden, tossed this together, made an olive oil and basil vinaigrette, and we were ready to go. Give it a try.

Ham and Cheese Strata

Place the bread cubes in a greased dish. Saute onion a little butter or olive oil. Mix with the bread cubes. Add the ham and cheese and mix well.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, cream,broth, half and half, and salt and pepper. Pour over ham and cheese.

If you are making ahead, cover and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 60-70 minutes (for 13x 9 pan) or 25-30 minutes for 2 pie dishes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 12

Image (c) Marye Audet

Content (c) Marye Audet for Baking Delights