This Asparagus and Ham Strata is a delightful and hearty dish that is perfect for brunch or a make-ahead breakfast. The combination of tender asparagus, savory ham, and rich, creamy cheese layered with custard-soaked bread creates a satisfying and flavorful meal. This strata is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite cheeses or vegetables. Prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free, impressive dish that will please any crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the asparagus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Layer the strata: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the asparagus, ham, onion, and both types of cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Assemble and refrigerate: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and layers in the baking dish. Press down gently to ensure the bread soaks up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
- Bake: Remove the strata from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy!
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.
