Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz diced cooked ham (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- 10 cups cubed day-old French bread or challah (about 1 lb)
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for the baking dish)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs for a crunchy top (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with 2 tbsp melted butter and layer the cubed bread evenly. Scatter diced ham and both cheeses across the bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth. Fold in chopped onion, bell pepper, and parsley; pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently so bread soaks up the liquid.
- Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (8–24 hours). For a same-day option, let it sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top if using. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until puffed and golden and a knife in the center comes out clean.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh herbs.
Notes
Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture. This dish can also be customized with various vegetables or cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: brunch, strata, make-ahead, ham, cheese, comfort food