Easy Strata Recipe

What is Strata exactly? “Strata” is Italian for “layer”. A breakfast Strata is a cousin of quiche where bread is layered with other tasty ingredients and soaked in an egg custard. It’s an easy but impressive dish that can be made the night before. I make several different kinds: ham & cheddar; sausage, Swiss chard & Jarlsberg; spinach & feta – you get the idea. Use your imagination and your favorite things. Here’s the basic formula, just swap out the bacon & cheese for whatever you’re in the mood for.

Ham & Cheese Strata

1 or 2 large croissants cut in 1/4 in slices
½ cup diced cooked ham
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 eggs
1 ¾ cup whole milk
salt and pepper

Spray a 9” glass pie pan with cooking spray. Place the croissant slices in pan completely covering the bottom, sprinkle ham and cheese on top. Beat eggs with milk and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over mixture in pan. Cover and let sit several hours or overnight in refrigerator. Bake for 30-40 min. at 350 degrees (until center is set an puffed).