Ham, Egg and Cheese Strata

I made a large Strata a few years ago when my brother was in town and it was well loved by everyone. I decided it was time I gave it another whirl. It is easy and I am letting it sit overnight and then I will just pop it in the oven tomorrow, pair with some fresh fruit and I am done!

Super easy breakfast if you are having friends over or even for Christmas Morning!

You can mix and match the meats and cheeses to your liking and to make it even more healthful you can use fake egg product.

1 loaf french bread
12 eggs
1/2 cup half and half, (or you can use 2.5 cups whole milk and skip the half and half)
2 cups whole milk
1 ham steak cubed
1 Jalapeno, diced small (optional)
3 cups Shredded cheese of your choice I used a cheddar jack mixture
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp Cayenne
1/2 tsp tarragon
1 tsp dried or fresh chives
1 red bell pepper cubed
bunch of green onions chopped

You will need a 9X13 pan, greased and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

cut the bread into thick slices and butter each slice, then cube, place into greased pan, continue until the bottom of the 9X13 baking dish is completely covered and then some

Sprinkle your ham, onions, red bell pepper over the bread

Sprinkle on a half of your cheese

In a bowl, break your 12 eggs and add your milk and heavy cream and spices and beat until well incorporated. Pour over the bread mixture it should come to the top edge of the bread/ham/cheese.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until your knife comes out clean, place the remaining cheese on and remove from oven. Let sit for 5 minutes or so and the cheese will melt and the strata will firm up.

(or do as I did and after combined leave in the fridge overnight and cook at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or a knife comes out clean)