Hearty Ham and Cheese Strata with Broccoli: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Searching for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully easy to prepare? Look no further than this delightful Ham and Cheese Strata with Broccoli. This recipe is a true game-changer, offering a complete meal that’s a cinch to assemble, especially when you have leftover ham from a holiday feast. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, flavor-packed casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a leisurely weekend morning.

A strata is essentially a savory bread pudding, a layered casserole typically made with bread, eggs, cheese, and various fillings, then baked until golden and bubbly. What makes this particular ham and cheese strata stand out is its robust flavor profile combined with the earthy goodness of broccoli. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for chilly mornings or any time you crave a hearty, wholesome meal.

Why This Ham and Cheese Strata Will Be Your New Favorite Breakfast Casserole

I wholeheartedly confess to being a comfort food enthusiast, and when it comes to casseroles, I’m all in! This Ham and Cheese Strata with Broccoli perfectly encapsulates everything I adore about a great casserole. It’s comforting, incredibly filling, and bursting with a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds from the very first bite. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

• Effortless Preparation: Don’t let the impressive appearance fool you; this strata is surprisingly simple to put together. With minimal hands-on time, you can have a truly spectacular dish baking in your oven.
• Ideal for Leftover Ham: Have excess ham from a holiday dinner like Christmas or Easter? This recipe provides a brilliant and delicious way to repurpose it, ensuring no tasty morsel goes to waste. If you’ve still got ham to spare after making this strata, consider whipping up a comforting Ham and Potato Soup or a creamy Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or a casual gathering with friends, this strata is versatile enough to suit any event. Its substantial nature makes it a crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
• Make-Ahead Magic: One of the greatest advantages of this strata is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free start to your day.
• Customizable Goodness: While the ham, cheese, and broccoli combination is a classic, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out vegetables or cheeses to suit your preferences, making it uniquely yours.

This strata recipe delivers on all fronts: it’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it yields a generous quantity, making it absolutely perfect for serving a large family or entertaining guests without extra effort.

Crafting the Perfect Ham and Cheese Strata: Essential Tips and Tricks

Achieving strata perfection is simpler than you might think, especially with a few insider tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your Ham and Cheese Strata with Broccoli turns out beautifully golden, tender, and packed with flavor every time:

• Embrace Stale Bread: The secret to a successful strata lies in the bread. Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. If your bread isn’t stale enough, you can cube it and spread it on a baking sheet, then toast it in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until lightly dried out. This ensures a delightful texture in your finished casserole. Using homemade French bread can elevate this dish even further, adding a touch of gourmet flair.
• The Brilliance of Make-Ahead: This ham and cheese strata is an ideal candidate for overnight preparation. Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the dish to come to a more even temperature, ensuring it bakes through uniformly and prevents a cold center. It’s the ultimate solution for a relaxed morning.
• Vegetable Versatility: While broccoli adds a wonderful texture and nutritional boost, feel free to customize your strata. Not a fan of broccoli? Simply leave it out! Or, consider swapping it for other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach (ensure it’s well-drained), or even asparagus spears for a different twist. Just make sure any added vegetables are cooked or prepped appropriately to avoid excess moisture.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery strata. Look for visual cues: the center should be set, and the cheese melted and bubbly with a golden-brown crust. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
• Rest is Best: Just like many baked dishes, allowing your strata to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. This helps the casserole set further, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly, and prevents it from falling apart.
• Flavor Boosters: Don’t underestimate the power of a good Dijon mustard and fresh chives in the egg mixture. These ingredients add depth and a subtle tang that complements the richness of the ham and cheese beautifully. Consider a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.

Serving Your Ham and Cheese Strata

This hearty strata is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be part of a larger brunch spread. Pair it with a simple green salad for a lighter contrast, a fresh fruit platter for a touch of sweetness, or a bowl of crispy bacon or sausage links for the ultimate indulgent breakfast experience. A warm cup of coffee or a refreshing mimosa completes the perfect meal.

More Irresistible Breakfast Casserole Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of breakfast casseroles, explore these other fantastic recipes to expand your morning repertoire:

• Overnight French Toast Casserole
• Hearty Sausage Breakfast Casserole
• Decadent Eggs Benedict Casserole
• Baked French Toast Casserole with Apples and Raisins

Ham and Cheese Strata with Broccoli Recipe

This Ham and Cheese Strata with Broccoli is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a filling and delicious breakfast or brunch option. With 5-star ratings, it’s a proven crowd-pleaser!

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 12 oz frozen broccoli, thawed
• 1 14 oz loaf French bread, cut into cubes
• 1/2 lb fully cooked ham, chopped
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 2 to 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the thawed broccoli and continue to cook for another 3 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the French bread cubes. Add the cooked broccoli-onion mixture and the chopped ham, tossing gently to combine all ingredients.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, milk, chopped chives, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this egg mixture over the bread, vegetable, and ham mixture, stirring carefully to ensure all bread cubes are thoroughly coated.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole uniformly with the shredded Cheddar cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center of the strata is firm and set, and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown.
7. Allow the strata to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Recipe Notes:

This recipe is very slightly adapted from an edition of Family Circle magazine (November 1, 2010).

For ultimate convenience, you can assemble this casserole the night before. After layering, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The next morning, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking according to the instructions. This ensures even cooking and a perfect outcome.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/8 of recipe

Calories: 362kcal (18% DV)

Carbohydrates: 33g (11% DV)

Protein: 22g (44% DV)

Fat: 15g (23% DV)

Saturated Fat: 6g (38% DV)

Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 179mg (60% DV)

Sodium: 686mg (30% DV)

Fiber: 2g (8% DV)

Sugar: 5g (6% DV)

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