Easy Strata and Variations

Recipe View Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together half-and-half, eggs, salt, and pepper until smooth. Ensure the mixture is well combined. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Assemble the Strata: Spray a 9x13-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish with vegetable cooking spray to prevent sticking. Line the bottom of the dish with 6 slices of bread, slightly overlapping if necessary. Scatter half of the cubed ham, half of the sautéed mushrooms, half of the scallions, and half of the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the bread. Pour 1 cup of the egg mixture over the top, ensuring the ingredients are moistened. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, ham, mushrooms, cheese, and scallions. Slowly pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over the top layer. (Prep time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View Refrigerate (Optional): Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. To ensure the ingredients are fully submerged in the egg mixture, weight down the casserole with 3 16-ounce cans or a similar weight. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally overnight for enhanced flavor absorption. If refrigerating overnight, allow the strata to return to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. (Refrigeration time: 15 minutes - Overnight)

Recipe View Bake the Strata: Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the strata in the preheated oven until the custard is just set, approximately 50 minutes. The top should be lightly golden, and a knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. (Bake time: 50 minutes)

Recipe View Broil for Color: Turn on the broiler and broil the strata until it is spotty brown and puffy, watching carefully to prevent burning, about 3-5 minutes longer. (Broil time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View Rest and Serve: Let the strata stand for 8-10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to cut. Serve immediately and enjoy! (Rest time: 10 minutes)