Ham & Cheese Strata

I had some leftover ham that I needed to use up & a loaf of bread that needed to be eaten - so tonight for dinner we are having Ham & Cheese Strata. This is based on a recipe from the Lion House Classics cookbook. It has a breakfast-casserole feel to it, so I usually serve this with fresh fruit.



Ham & Cheese Strata
4-6 servings

8 slices (I used 9) white bread, crusts removed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 to 1 cup diced, cooked ham
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp diced onion
dash pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard

Spray the bottom of an 8x8 pan with Pam. Arrange 4 slices of bread in the bottom of dish. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of cheese and all of the diced ham. Cover with another 4 slices of bread (I used the last slice of bread to fill in the cracks and spaces). In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, onion and spices. Pour over bread, making sure to evenly coat all top slices. Cover and let sit for 1 hour (I did 45 minutes and it was fine). Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour, until lightly browned and puffy. Let it stand for a few minutes & serve.