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Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, setting the tone for what lies ahead. Among the myriad of options available, breakfast strata stands out as a versatile and satisfying choice. This dish combines the heartiness of bread with a rich custard made from eggs and milk, offering a comforting start to your morning. Today, we delve into the Savory Ham and Swiss Breakfast Strata, a delightful recipe that perfectly balances flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or even weekly meal prep.

Savory Ham and Swiss Breakfast Strata

Start your day off right with this Savory Ham and Swiss Breakfast Strata, a delicious and hearty dish that combines cubed day-old bread, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese into a creamy, flavorful casserole. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or meal prep, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Filled with rich flavors and a comforting texture, this strata will surely become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
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Ingredients
  

8 cups of cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)

2 cups diced cooked ham

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

6 large eggs

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

    Layer the Ingredients: In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cubed bread evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of the Swiss cheese over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese for another layer.

      Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.

        Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese layers. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down, ensuring that all pieces are soaked in the custard mixture.

          Let It Rest: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for up to overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.

            Bake: Once ready to bake, remove the cover and place the strata in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

              Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm, alongside fresh fruits or a mixed green salad.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8