Go Back
–+ servings
Ham and Cheese Egg Strata served on a plate

Ham and Cheese Egg Strata

No ratings yet
Ham and Cheese Egg Strata uses stale bread soaked in an egg and milk custard layered with ham and cheese, then baked to creamy perfection with crispy edges. The 10-15 minute soak ensures even custard absorption, creating tender, sliceable layers full of melted cheese and savory ham. It’s ideal for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, or easy meal prep that holds well reheated.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large eggs whisk until just combined
  • 2 cups milk or half-and-half for richer custard
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt season lightly due to salty ham and cheese
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cups bread day-old cubes, 1-inch pieces; stale bread required
  • 2 cups ham cooked, diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 cups cheese shredded cheddar or Swiss
  • 1 tablespoon butter for greasing baking dish
  • 2 tablespoons chives or parsley optional, chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish Greased with butter to prevent sticking
  • Whisk Used to combine eggs and milk
  • Spatula To press bread down and distribute custard

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter, spreading it into every corner to prevent sticking.
    1 tablespoon butter
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper for about 30 seconds until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
    8 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  3. Layer 6 cups of stale bread cubes evenly in the greased dish. Sprinkle 2 cups diced cooked ham over the bread, followed by 2 cups shredded cheese.
    6 cups bread, 2 cups ham, 2 cups cheese
  4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down, ensuring it soaks up the custard. Let the strata sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking.
    8 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, 6 cups bread, 2 cups ham, 2 cups cheese
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the strata for 40-50 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden with visible cheese pockets. The center should barely wobble when you gently shake the pan.
  6. Remove the strata from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to firm up before slicing and serving. Optionally, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for garnish.
    2 tablespoons chives or parsley

Notes

  • Use stale bread to prevent sogginess; fresh bread should be toasted or dried overnight before use.
  • Soak the strata 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure even custard absorption and avoid dry spots.
  • Resting after baking sets the strata's structure, making it easier to slice without falling apart.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!