Savory Ham, Spinach, and Fontina Strata
Indulge in the decadence of this Savory Ham, Spinach, and Fontina Strata, a delightful addition to your brunch repertoire. Layered with crusty baguette slices, tender spinach, and rich ham, all enveloped in a creamy, eggy custard, this dish is as satisfying as it is delicious. With a topping of melty Fontina or Gruyere cheese, every bite is a treat for the senses. Perfect for leisurely gatherings, this strata can be prepared the day before—simply assemble, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready. A crowd-pleaser thanks to its robust flavors and hearty texture, it's inspired by the legendary Best of Bridge ladies, cherished for their timeless recipes. Enjoy this dish with friends and family for an unforgettable brunch experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large baguette
1 (sliced diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
medium onions
2 (chopped)
ham
1 lb (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
large eggs
4 (whisked)
milk
4 cups (whole or 2%)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (grated)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh spinach
6 cups (coarsely chopped (about 2 bunches))
Fontina cheese or Gruyere cheese
3/4 lb (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the broiler to a high setting. Slice the baguette diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices. Brush both sides generously with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet.
2
Broil the bread slices for approximately 30 seconds on each side, or until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the cubed ham and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the ham is slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, grated nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
6
Gently fold the toasted baguette slices into the egg mixture until thoroughly coated. Carefully transfer the saturated bread slices to a greased shallow 3-quart casserole dish, arranging them in slightly overlapping layers.
7
Sprinkle the sautéed ham and onion mixture and the chopped spinach between the bread slices, distributing evenly.
8
Pour any remaining egg mixture over the entire strata, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the grated Fontina or Gruyere cheese on top, gently lifting some of the bread slices with a spatula to allow cheese to settle in between.
9
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the strata in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is beautifully puffed, the edges of the bread are golden, and the eggs are set.
10
Once baked, let the strata sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious brunch dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Ham, Spinach, and Fontina Strata?
It is a decadent brunch dish featuring layers of crusty baguette, tender spinach, and ham enveloped in a creamy egg custard.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
A large baguette sliced diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices is recommended.
Why should I broil the baguette slices first?
Broiling the bread for 30 seconds per side until golden brown prevents the strata from becoming too soggy and adds flavor.
How much ham is required for the strata?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ham cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
What types of cheese can be used in this dish?
Grated Fontina or Gruyere cheese are the preferred choices for their excellent melting properties.
Can I prepare this strata ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the strata the day before, refrigerate it, and bake it when you are ready.
How much spinach is used in the strata?
The recipe uses 6 cups of coarsely chopped fresh spinach, which is about 2 bunches.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The strata should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the strata need to bake?
It typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to bake until puffed and golden.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A greased shallow 3-quart casserole dish is ideal for this recipe.
How many eggs are in the custard mixture?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs whisked together with milk and spices.
What type of milk should I use?
You can use 4 cups of either whole milk or 2% milk.
How long should the strata sit after baking?
Let the strata rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
How do I prepare the onions?
Sauté 2 chopped medium onions in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown.
What seasonings are added to the egg mixture?
The custard is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I incorporate the bread into the custard?
Gently fold the toasted baguette slices into the egg mixture until they are thoroughly coated before layering.
How should the ham and onions be cooked?
Sauté the onions first, then add the ham and cook for an additional 5 minutes until slightly browned.
How is the cheese distributed throughout the dish?
Sprinkle cheese on top and gently lift some bread slices with a spatula to allow the cheese to settle in between layers.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen spinach if it is thawed and squeezed very dry before adding.
What makes this strata a crowd-pleaser?
Its robust flavors, hearty texture, and the convenience of being a make-ahead dish make it perfect for gatherings.
Who inspired this specific strata recipe?
This dish is inspired by the legendary Best of Bridge ladies, known for their timeless recipes.
How much butter is used for the bread?
Use 1/4 cup of melted butter to brush both sides of the baguette slices.
What is the role of nutmeg in this recipe?
Nutmeg provides a subtle warmth and aromatic quality that complements the ham and cheese.
How should the bread slices be arranged in the dish?
Arrange the saturated bread slices in slightly overlapping layers for even distribution.
How do I know when the strata is finished baking?
The strata is done when it is beautifully puffed, the edges are golden, and the eggs are completely set.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Should the ham be precooked before layering?
Yes, the ham should be sautéed with the onions until slightly browned before being added to the strata.
How many onions are included in the recipe?
Two medium onions are used to provide a savory base.
How much cheese is required in total?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of grated Fontina or Gruyere cheese.
Can I substitute the baguette with another bread?
Any crusty artisan bread can work, but a baguette provides the ideal structure for layering.