Savory Ham and Gruyère Breakfast Strata
This exquisite Savory Ham and Gruyère Breakfast Strata is a delightful fusion of flavors that elevates the traditional breakfast casserole to new heights. Combining the richness of gruyère cheese with the mild sweetness of pear, tangy apples, and the hearty presence of ham, it creates an unforgettable experience suited for a lavish brunch or a comforting family breakfast. The cinnamon raisin bread adds a subtle, pleasant contrast to the savory elements, delivering a harmonious and refined dish.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (softened (optional))
Cinnamon Raisin Bread or White Bread
8 slices (1/2 inch thick, rustic)
Ham
6 ounces (thinly sliced)
Onion
1/4 cup (1/2 medium, finely chopped)
Pear or Tart Apple
1 small (peeled, cored, and chopped)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Gruyère Cheese
1 cup (4 ounces shredded)
Milk
2 cups
Eggs
4
Dijon Mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons
Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
2
If desired, lightly butter one side of each bread slice using the softened butter. Arrange 4 slices of bread, buttered side up, on a clean surface.
3
Layer the ham slices evenly over the bread. Place the remaining slices on top, buttered side down, forming sandwiches.
4
Cut each sandwich into quarters to form triangular pieces. Arrange the triangles in the prepared baking dish with the pointed sides facing up.
5
Evenly distribute the finely chopped onion, chopped pear or apple, and shredded cheese over the bread triangles.
6
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until well combined.
7
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered sandwiches, ensuring all bread is soaked. Gently press down on the mixture with a spatula if needed.
8
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard.
9
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered.
10
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
Allow the strata to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ham and Gruyere Breakfast Strata?
It is a savory baked egg and bread casserole that combines ham, gruyere cheese, and fruit for a refined brunch dish.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Cinnamon raisin bread provides a sweet contrast, but you can also use rustic white bread sliced half an inch thick.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use cheddar instead of Gruyere?
Yes, sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent substitute for Gruyere in this strata.
What fruits can be added to the strata?
A small peeled and chopped pear or a tart apple works perfectly in this recipe.
What size baking dish do I need?
You should use a lightly buttered 2-quart baking dish.
How should the bread be prepared?
The bread should be made into ham sandwiches, then cut into quarters to form triangular pieces.
Do I need to butter the bread?
Lightly buttering one side of each bread slice is optional but recommended for extra richness.
How should I arrange the bread in the dish?
Place the bread triangles in the dish with the pointed sides facing up.
What is in the custard mixture?
The custard is a blend of milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
How long does the strata need to refrigerate?
It requires a minimum of 2 hours, though refrigerating it overnight is ideal for the best flavor.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I ensure the bread is fully soaked?
After pouring the egg mixture, gently press down on the bread triangles with a spatula.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Bake the strata covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncovered for the remaining time.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
How do I know when the strata is cooked through?
The strata is done when it is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead dish as it needs to sit in the refrigerator before baking.
How much ham is required?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of thinly sliced ham.
What kind of onion should I use?
Use about a quarter cup of finely chopped onion, which is roughly half of a medium onion.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs.
How much milk is used?
You will need 2 cups of milk.
What does Worcestershire sauce add to the dish?
It provides a savory, umami depth that complements the ham and cheese.
Is Dijon mustard necessary?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the custard and cheese.
Can I use frozen ingredients?
It is best to use fresh ingredients, especially for the fruit and bread, to maintain the correct texture.
How should I serve the strata?
Allow the strata to cool for a few minutes after baking and serve it while it is still warm.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The interior is soft and custardy, while the top points of the bread become golden and slightly crisp.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can omit the ham and perhaps add extra vegetables or a vegetarian meat substitute.
Do I peel the apple or pear?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the fruit should be peeled, cored, and chopped.
How much cheese is used?
You need 1 cup of shredded cheese, which is approximately 4 ounces.
Can I use different spices?
While the recipe calls for black pepper, you could add herbs like chives or thyme for variation.