There’s something truly magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of baked goodness wafting through the house. That’s exactly how I feel every time I prepare my beloved Christmas Breakfast Strata with Ham and Cheese. Trust me, if you’re looking for a recipe that will impress your family and fill their hearts with warmth, you’ve found it. I’ve made this dish countless times, and each time it feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s become a staple in our holiday celebrations, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Strata with Ham and Cheese
- Easy to Prepare: This strata is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday mornings.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning!
- Flavorful Layers: The combination of fluffy bread, savory ham, and melty cheese creates an explosion of flavor.
- Visually Stunning: When baked, it transforms into a golden masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
- Versatile Recipe: You can easily customize it with different ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.
The Secret to Perfect Christmas Breakfast Strata with Ham and Cheese
The key to achieving the perfect strata lies in the bread you choose. I always opt for a hearty, rustic bread like sourdough or a classic French loaf. These types of bread soak up the egg mixture beautifully, creating that delightful custardy texture. A tip I swear by is to let the strata sit for at least an hour (or overnight!) before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures every bite is bursting with deliciousness. Trust me, giving it that time is a game-changer!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This strata was the highlight of our Christmas brunch! Everyone went back for seconds. I’m definitely adding it to our holiday traditions!” – Sarah T.
“I loved how easy it was to prepare, and the taste was out of this world! My family couldn’t stop raving about it.” – Mark L.
“I made this for a gathering, and it disappeared in minutes! A must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests!” – Emily R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Veggie Delight: Swap out the ham for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheesy Spin: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or feta for unique flavor profiles.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of maple syrup to the egg mixture for a hint of sweetness that complements the savory ham.
- Herbed Perfection: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Bonus Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some Dijon mustard in between the layers of bread and ham!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I make this strata ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning!
What type of bread works best?
Hearty breads like sourdough or French bread are ideal, as they soak up the egg mixture wonderfully. Avoid using pre-sliced bread that is too soft.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven for the best texture.
Can I freeze the strata?
Yes! You can freeze it after baking. Just wrap it tightly and it will last for about a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if my strata is too soggy?
This can happen if the bread is too fresh or if it soaked too long. Make sure to use day-old bread and follow the recommended soaking time.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor when serving.
Perfect Occasions for Christmas Breakfast Strata with Ham and Cheese
- Christmas morning brunch with family.
- Holiday gatherings with friends.
- New Year’s Day recovery breakfast.
- Cozy winter weekends when you want something special.
- Breakfast for a crowd during holiday entertaining.
- Gift it to a neighbor or friend as a homemade treat!
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey! Now, let’s dive into the recipe for this incredible Christmas Breakfast Strata with Ham and Cheese.
Christmas Breakfast Strata with Ham and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of day-old sourdough or French bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Tip: For best results, use day-old bread to avoid a soggy strata. You can also mix in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and diced ham. Toss them together gently to ensure even distribution. The bread should be slightly stale for optimal flavor absorption, so if your bread is fresh, consider toasting it lightly beforehand.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture is the soul of your strata, so make sure to whisk it thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and ham. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until the bread is fully coated. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
After soaking, fold in the cheese, reserving a little for the top. This is where the magic happens as the cheese melts into every nook and cranny when baking!
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with any reserved cheese and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set in the middle. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it set, making it easier to cut into beautiful squares. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm. Enjoy every bite of this incredible dish!
Nutritional Information: Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 25g carbs, and 18g fat. Perfect fuel for a festive day ahead!
Final Thoughts
I can’t express enough how special this Christmas Breakfast Strata with Ham and Cheese is for holiday traditions. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring family and
