Savory Bread Bake with Ham and Spinach
A hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch bake featuring cubes of bread soaked in a rich egg custard, layered with spinach, bell peppers, ham, and cheddar cheese.
- Prep25 min
- Cook1h 5m
- Total1h 30m
- DifficultyMedium
- Servings10
This savory strata is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch. It combines cubes of crusty bread with a savory filling of sautéed vegetables, ham, and sharp cheddar cheese, all bound together by a creamy egg custard.
The magic happens as the bread soaks up the custard, creating a tender yet structured bake that's both comforting and satisfying. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and sauté until they are slightly golden and tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped ham and parsley.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the onion and vegetable mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread cubes, onion mixture, and cheddar cheese.
- Give the egg mixture a final whisk and then pour it evenly over the entire strata.
- Gently press down on the bread with your hands to ensure all the cubes are submerged in the egg mixture.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Remove the strata from the refrigerator and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the strata rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
💡 Tips
- For an even richer flavor, use a mix of cheeses like Gruyere or Swiss along with the cheddar.
- Ensure the bread is slightly stale or toasted for the best texture; fresh bread can become too mushy.
- This strata is excellent for meal prep; bake it ahead and reheat individual portions.
Inspired by a recipe from Cooking Classy