Easy Ham and Cheese Strata

This ham strata recipe is the perfect breakfast casserole to make ahead when you have a bit of extra time. The layered ingredients soaked in the egg mixture overnight creates the most amazingly decadent texture that is loaded with flavor.

Now that the days are getting shorter, I have noticed that my desire to settle into my nightly routine starts a little earlier in the fall.

Once my family is in bed I start to prepare lunches, and if I have enough time, I even start a breakfast or dinner that needs to refrigerate overnight.

I always thank my nighttime productivity in the morning when all of the work is already done.

This overnight casserole is so simple and satisfying, providing a wholesome and nutritious meal that the whole family loves.

Try this recipe the next time you have overnight guests, host a potluck style Sunday brunch, or plan for a holiday meal such as Christmas morning or Easter brunch.

Serve this strata with a side of bacon and a warm cup of coffee to get your morning started off in the best way with this delicious breakfast casserole.

If you need other delicious breakfast or brunch ideas, be sure to try my easy French Crepes, simple egg and sausage casserole, or fluffy bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches.

What is a Ham Strata?

A strata is a layered casserole dish that usually contains bread, meat, and cheese and then soaked in an egg mixture overnight.

This recipe contains two cheeses and ham, giving the balance of sweet and savory.

Soaking the strata overnight allows the egg mixture to really infuse into the bread, creating a moist and fluffy texture paired with the creamy melted cheese. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy recipes like this require very little effort and are the perfect dish to serve when you need a simple, yet nourishing meal. It’s a layered dish, and once the strata is assembled and refrigerated, you simply have to preheat the oven and bake. 
• Having the basic ingredients on hand, you can start to build and create the perfect strata that accommodates everybody’s preferences. 
• You can start a new holiday tradition by having the perfect warm strata for your next family gathering. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, this recipe can easily feed a crowd. 
• The flavors of this strata are a great dish that can pair with so many other great breakfast sides. Try serving alongside some bacon or sausage links, fresh fruit, or any other breakfast favorite. 
• This is the perfect recipe to use if you have any leftover bread that needs to get used up, using almost stale bread makes this dish taste even better. 
• The best part of this recipe is that all you have to do is pop it in the oven the next morning because it’s already made! It is such an easy breakfast!

Tell Me About Ham Strata

• Taste– This dish is creamy and savory without being too dense.
• Texture– The bread soaked in egg creates a fluffy texture while the cheese adds a warm silky texture.
• Ease– This meal just requires layering the dry ingredients and pouring over the wet ingredients for a quick and easy meal that feeds a crowd. 
• Time– You will need to refrigerate this dish overnight. It bakes in the oven in under an hour. 

Ingredients for Ham Strata

• Bread – I like to use sourdough bread slices for this recipe but you can use any bread you have on hand. Stale or day-old bread makes this strata even better. 
• Ham – Use small diced ham or crispy bacon. Add some vegetables for even more flavor or for a vegetarian option. 
• Cheddar Cheese – You can use mild or sharp cheddar cheese according to your preference. 
• Gouda Cheese – This cheese gives the strata a creamy and smoky flavor. 
• Eggs – Eggs are a main ingredient in this dish that give the strata an amazing fluffy texture. 
• Butter – Everything tastes better with butter, and this dish is no exception. The melted butter adds a lovely richness to the strata.
• Milk – Use whatever milk you have on hand.

Make Ham Strata in 4 Easy Steps

1. Layer Ingredients– Layer your dry ingredients in a glass baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients– In a medium bowl, whisk the egg custard mixture together. Pour egg mixture over the dry ingredients.
3. Refrigerate Overnight– Cover with aluminum foil and pop in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Bake– The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. The cook time is 45-55 minutes or until set.

Substitutions for Ham Strata

• Swiss Cheese– If you don’t have gouda on hand you can substitute with Swiss cheese.
• Bacon– If your family prefers bacon or you don’t have any ham, you can use bacon instead.
• French Bread– You can use French bread instead of sourdough if that’s what you have available.
• White Bread– This is another alternative to sourdough if it’s what you have on hand.

Add-Ins for Ham Strata

• Heavy Cream– Heavy cream can be mixed half and half with the milk to make it extra creamy.
• Green Onions– Green onions have a milder onion flavor than other onions.
• Red Bell Pepper– Red peppers add color and a nice sweet flavor to the recipe.
• Green Peppers– Green peppers also add a bit of flavor, although not as sweet as red bell peppers.
• Fresh Spinach– Spinach is loaded with vitamins and an extra way to add nutrition.
• Dry Mustard– Some people like to add dry mustard to the recipe for an extra zing to the flavor.

How Do You Store Leftover Ham Strata?

This is the perfect recipe to make a double batch and to make ahead of time.

The main reason this dish is so decadent and flavorful is because the dish absorbs all the flavors overnight.

Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for several months. 

How do you Reheat Ham Strata?

You can reheat leftover strata in a preheated 300 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

If you want to warm in the microwave, use a wet paper towel to cover the strata and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm.

From frozen, you will want to make sure to thaw the strata completely before reheating or cooking in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ham and Cheese Strata Recipe