Westphalian Ham and Spinach Strata Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of Westphalian ham
- 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Grease the baking dish with cooking spray.

3. Layer the Westphalian ham slices on the bottom of the baking dish.

4. Add the cubed bread on top of the ham.

5. Sprinkle the chopped spinach over the bread.

6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.

7. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure it is evenly distributed.

8. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere and Parmesan cheese on top of the egg mixture.

9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

10. Bake for 30 minutes.

11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.

12. Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 1150mg
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Westphalian ham can be substituted with prosciutto or smoked ham.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Use sourdough or French bread instead of regular bread.
- Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meatier version.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use day-old bread as it will absorb the egg mixture better.
- Let the strata cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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 the strata on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled asparagus
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the strata is too dry, add a little more milk to the egg mixture.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the strata until the egg mixture is set and the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Strata is a popular breakfast casserole that originated in the United States. It typically consists of bread, eggs, cheese, and other ingredients baked together in a casserole dish.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, salty, and cheesy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dinner.

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Taste: Savory, Rich, Tangy, Cheesy, Smoky