Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound of country ham, diced
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper.
3. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
4. Sprinkle half of the diced country ham over the bread cubes, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread cubes, country ham, and cheddar cheese.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese layers.
7. Use a fork to gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are fully coated with the egg mixture.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
9. Once ready to bake, remove the foil and bake the strata for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10. Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Refrigeration time: 2 hours or overnight
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Total fat: 22g
Saturated fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 265mg
Sodium: 1360mg
Total carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of country ham, you can use cooked bacon or sausage.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer.
- You can use any type of bread you have on hand, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
Variations:
- Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or pepper jack.
- Add a layer of spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to fully coat the bread cubes with the egg mixture to ensure even cooking.
- Let the strata sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
- Use a serrated knife to easily cut through the strata.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place a slice of the strata on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the strata on a large platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or fresh fruit.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the top of the strata is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.
- If the center of the strata is still liquid after the recommended baking time, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to fully cook the country ham or any other meat used in the recipe.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Strata is a popular breakfast casserole that originated in the United States in the 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and salty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the strata for breakfast or brunch.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Salty, Rich, Comforting