Savory Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata
This Savory Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata is a delightful one-dish meal perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast. Layers of crusty white bread are combined with nutritious broccoli, savory ham, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a scrumptious flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. The combination of beaten eggs, milk, and seasonings brings everything together for a rich and delectable dish that can be prepared ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free morning. Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, this strata is versatile enough for any occasion. Share this recipe with family and friends, and watch it become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
White Bread
14 slices (Crusts trimmed)
Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 cups (Grated)
Frozen Chopped Broccoli
10 ounces (Thawed and drained)
Onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Ham
1 cup (Diced)
Tomato
1 medium (Peeled, seeded and chopped)
Eggs
5 (Beaten)
Seasoning Salt
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Prepared Mustard
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Milk
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
3
Trim the crusts from the bread slices and lay 7 of them in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4
Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the bread slices.
5
Evenly layer the thawed chopped broccoli, chopped onion, diced ham, and chopped tomato over the cheese and bread layers.
6
Top the layered ingredients with the remaining cheddar cheese, and then lay the remaining 7 slices of bread on top.
7
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, seasoning salt, garlic powder, prepared mustard, cayenne pepper, and milk until well combined.
8
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and filling layers in the baking dish, ensuring all bread slices are soaked.
9
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
10
Remove the strata from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the egg is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a strata?
A strata is a family of layered casserole dishes, typically made with bread, eggs, and cheese, which is often prepared the night before.
What are the main ingredients in this Savory Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strata?
The main ingredients are white bread, cheddar cheese, frozen chopped broccoli, diced ham, and an egg-and-milk custard.
How many slices of bread do I need?
You will need 14 slices of white bread with the crusts trimmed off.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
Should the broccoli be cooked before adding it to the strata?
No, you should use 10 ounces of frozen chopped broccoli that has been thawed and drained.
Can I use a different meat instead of ham?
Yes, while the recipe calls for diced ham, you could substitute it with cooked bacon or sausage.
Is there onion in this breakfast strata?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of chopped onion for added flavor.
Does the recipe include tomatoes?
Yes, it calls for one medium tomato that has been peeled, seeded, and chopped.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
This recipe requires 5 beaten eggs.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of milk to be mixed with the eggs.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes seasoning salt, garlic powder, prepared mustard, and cayenne pepper.
Is this strata spicy?
It contains 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper which adds a very mild heat, but overall it is a savory dish.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, butter the baking dish generously to prevent the strata from sticking.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Start with a layer of bread, then half the cheese, then the broccoli, onion, ham, and tomato, followed by the rest of the cheese and a final layer of bread.
Can I bake this immediately after assembling?
It is recommended to refrigerate the strata for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the bread soak up the egg mixture.
How long does the strata need to bake?
Bake the strata for 40 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the strata is finished cooking?
The strata is done when the egg is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Should I cover the dish while it's in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil while it sits in the refrigerator.
Do I need to peel the tomato?
The recipe suggests the tomato should be peeled, seeded, and chopped for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can simply omit the diced ham to make this a vegetarian broccoli and cheese strata.
What is the purpose of prepared mustard in the recipe?
Prepared mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the egg custard.
How long should I let the strata cool before serving?
Let the strata cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow it to set for easier slicing.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, because it is prepared in a 13x9 dish and can be made ahead of time, it is excellent for hosting brunch.
Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat bread, though it may result in a slightly heartier, denser texture.
What if I don't have seasoning salt?
You can use regular salt or a mix of salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika as a substitute.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, bell peppers or mushrooms would be great additions to the vegetable layer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What makes this dish a 'one-dish meal'?
It is considered a one-dish meal because it contains grains, protein, dairy, and vegetables all baked together in one pan.