Ham and Spinach Breakfast Strata

• 12 slices white or whole grain bread, cubed
• 8 oz diced ham
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. 2 In a large bowl, toss together bread cubes, ham, spinach, and 1 1/2 cups cheese.
3. 3 In another bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and paprika.
4. 4 Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
5. 5 Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. 6 Let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow bread to absorb the mixture.
7. 7 Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top.
8. 8 Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until golden and set.
9. 9 Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowl

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Substitute ham with cooked sausage for a different twist.

Substitutions

• If you're out of heavy cream, use all milk.
• Use Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a different taste profile.

Pairings

• Fresh fruit salad
• Crispy bacon
• Hash browns

Nutrition

Tips

• Prepare this strata the night before and bake in the morning for a hassle-free brunch.
• Use day-old bread for best results to prevent sogginess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh fruit salad and crispy bacon.
• Pair with a side of hash browns and a steaming cup of coffee.

FAQ