Cheesy Egg Breakfast Strata

This easy, cheesy egg breakfast strata has all of the ingredients that make breakfast so good all in one dish! Eggs, milk, cheese, and bread are the foundation of a strata, also known as make-ahead breakfast casserole.

A strata is a slow-baked breakfast egg casserole that always includes bread to stabilize the eggs while they bake. Use whatever add-ins you like when making strata. Ham and Cheese Strada is a favorite of mine, but you can add bacon, sausage, vegetables, and whatever cheese you enjoy.

Strata is perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want a delicious breakfast or brunch. The beauty of an egg strata is you can let it sit overnight or you can bake it right away.

You always need a go-to easy breakfast bake or overnight breakfast casserole in your kitchen repertoire.

My husband, Ken, absolutely loves this breakfast strata and is still shocked at how easy it is to prepare! He always loves this first thing in the morning. The house smells delicious and this simple breakfast or brunch is a hit every time.

Growing up my mother always made this recipe for special occasions and holiday morning breakfasts, I have such warm and good memories of eating this on Christmas morning with all of us crowded around the dining room table. I always thought it was so complicated to make, until I decided to make it myself one morning.

The ingredients are easy to assemble, and the strata doesn't take long at all to bake.  It will make your guests think you slaved away in the kitchen!

You begin by toasting whatever bread you have on hand.  We have used many different kinds of bread over the years and they are all delicious! You will arrange the bread in the bottom of the casserole dish.  Make sure the entire bottom is covered.

We usually use ham in this recipe.  Like the toast, we have used different types of breakfast meats over the years.  We have tried ham, sausage, and bacon. It is so good with any meat you choose!

You layer the meat and cheese over the toast in the dish.

I think that the egg mixture is what makes this dish special.  The mixture contains eggs, milk and some spices which add an interesting and subtle flavor!  The recipe calls for dried mustard and a pinch of nutmeg! When you add salt and pepper the mixture is ready to be poured in your casserole dish.

This breakfast casserole takes 30 minutes or less to bake to a golden brown.

If breakfast is a meal you really enjoy, take a look at these recipes for Crescent Breakfast Muffins, Loaded Breakfast Burgers, Easy Western Stuffing Egg Muffins, and Cheesy Bacon and Egg Biscuit Muffins.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• You have the option to assemble the recipe the night before. Simply pop it into the oven in the morning, and enjoy your coffee.
• You can easily customize this versatile recipe to make it your own.
• Strata leftovers heat up very nicely!

Ingredients in Ham & Cheese Strata

Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list. You probably have most of these ingredients already and the casserole is simple to assemble.

• Bread
• Ham
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Milk
• Mustard
• Salt and Pepper
• Nutmeg

How to Make Ham and Cheese Strata

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare a 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray and set aside. 

Arrange your toasted bread across the bottom of your prepared pan.  Cut slices if you have to.

Sprinkle ham and then cheese over top of your toast. 

Spread the ham and cheese around as evenly as possible.

In a medium sized bowl whisk together eggs, milk, salt, mustard, nutmeg and pepper.

Pour over top of the toast, ham and cheese.

Bake for between 22 and 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

Allow to rest in your pan for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Substitutions

Don’t have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change breakfast strata recipe.

• Swap the ham for breakfast sausage or bacon.
• On a special diet? All or some of the eggs can be replaced with a liquid egg substitute.
• You can use Gouda, Montery Jack, or any cheese that melts well in place of the Cheddar cheese.

Variations

Want to personalize this strata breakfast casserole? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

• Use different cheeses and/or breakfast meats.
• Add vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, spinach, sliced green onions, diced Roma tomatoes, roasted red pepper.
• Try different types of bread in your strata. French bread is really good.
• Add more herbs and spices!

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• 13x9 inch baking dish

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Leftover strata can be frozen in an airtight container or wrapped well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Frozen strata can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. If the casserole begins to get too brown on top, tent loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Tips

• Strata is a wonderful leftover meal. Have it for lunch the next day with some salad greens tossed in lemon and olive oil.
• Use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream in this recipe.

FAQ

More Breakfast Recipes

We also have a few French toast and pancake recipes that are definitely worth a look if you are ever in the mood for something sweeter! Take a look at The Best Overnight Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast, Overnight Baked Pecan French Toast, and Overnight Baked Apple Raisin Pecan French Toast.

I hope that you and your family can make special memories that include this Easy Cheese Strata. You will find our Easy Cheesy Egg Breakfast Strata video below.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!