Breakfast Strata with Ham & Swiss: A Savory Breakfast Casserole That Steals the Show

If you’ve ever wished for a breakfast casserole that tastes gourmet but practically makes itself, you’re in the right place. This breakfast casserole riff on a classic strata layers fluffy eggs, gooey Swiss cheese, and savory ham with cubes of crusty bread for maximum soak-up power. It ranks high on my list of Easy Breakfast Ideas and Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd—trust me, hungry family members never stand a chance of leftovers. IMO, it’s prettier than a standard egg bake and WAY more interesting than your average Egg Casserole Recipes.

Ever wondered why a strata beats a quiche in sheer comfort-factor? It uses leftover bread (hello, no food waste) and you can prep it as an Overnight Breakfast Casserole—talk about a Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead winner. FYI, I once served this at a Brunch Potluck, and folks literally asked for seconds before they finished their first bites. It’s the perfect Brunch Casserole for holidays, casual get-togethers, or that moment when you need a cozy, Savory Breakfast to kickstart the day. So grab your favorite casserole dish, and let’s get layering (and laughing)!

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed sturdy bread (day-old French loaf or sourdough works best)
• 1 lb diced ham (leftover holiday ham is perfect)
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Layer half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of the Swiss cheese over the bread.
3. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese. This double-layer method ensures every bite has a balance of protein and carbs.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this custard mixture over the layered bread and ham. Press down gently so the bread soaks up the liquid.
5. Sprinkle chopped chives (and red pepper flakes, if using) over the top. Let the strata rest for at least 15 minutes—this helps the bread absorb all that flavorful custard. Short on time? You can bake it right away, but letting it sit really levels up the texture.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed. If the edges brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
7. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This rest period helps the layers set so you get clean cuts instead of a soggy mess.
8. Slice into squares and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? No problem—this strata is a Breakfast Casserole Ideas chameleon.

• Veggie Boost: Swap ham for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Sprinkle feta instead of Swiss for a Mediterranean twist.
• Tortilla Quiche Bake: Layer torn flour tortillas instead of bread, add cooked chorizo, and swap Swiss for pepper jack. You just created a Breakfast Basket fiesta!
• Mini Quiche Style: Divide the custard mix among greased muffin tins with cubed bread and diced ham. Bake 20–25 minutes for perfect Mini Quiche Recipes.

Serving & Tips

Here are a few tips to make your strata shine every time:

• Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
• Freezing: Assemble the strata in a foil pan, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the night before as an Easy Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns (swap half the bread for frozen hashbrowns). Pop it in the morning and head out—brunch will wait for no one!
• Seasonal Touch: In cooler months, serve with a spiced apple compote or cranberry chutney for a cozy holiday brunch vibe.

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I whipped up this strata for a sleepy Sunday morning—half-asleep family members glowed when that golden top emerged from the oven. It felt like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re chasing Easy Tater Tot Casserole simplicity or going full-on Egg Frittata fancy, this breakfast casserole strikes the perfect balance. Give it a try, and let me know if it becomes your next brunch legend. Cheers to carefree cooking and full bellies! 🙂

FAQs

Can I make this strata ahead of time?

Absolutely. After assembling, cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, remove the cover, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s the ultimate Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead hack.

What kind of bread works best?

Use sturdy, day-old bread like French baguette or sourdough. They soak up the custard without turning mushy. If you only have soft bread, toast the cubes lightly before layering.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave for an easy grab-and-go meal.

How can I lighten this recipe?

For a Healthy Breakfast Casserole twist, swap half-and-half for low-fat milk, use lean turkey ham, and sprinkle in extra veggies. You’ll still get that comforting strata vibe without sacrificing flavor.

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