Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup of cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a skillet, sauté the asparagus until tender. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add in the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
4. Add the bread cubes, ham, and asparagus to the mixing bowl. Toss until the bread is coated with the egg mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 940mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Asparagus: Broccoli or zucchini
- Ham: Cooked bacon or sausage
- Whole milk: 2% or skim milk
- Parmesan cheese: Cheddar or Gouda cheese
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread instead of French bread.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Use day-old bread for best results.
- Let the strata sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve with a side salad or fruit for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a platter with fresh herbs and sliced tomatoes.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or fruit.
Suggested side dishes:
Mixed greens salad or fresh fruit salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the strata is too dry, add more milk to the egg mixture.
- If the strata is too wet, add more bread cubes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the eggs are fully cooked before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Strata is a popular breakfast casserole that originated in Italy.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
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