Ham & Cheese Strata

Christmas evening, it was just the four of us.  We had my husband's side of the family last night, and my side of the family tomorrow, so dinner will just be leftovers, but since we still had my inlaws  this morning, we made this yummy ham and cheese strata for breakfast.  It could even be made the evening before, but then it would take longer as it will go in the oven much colder.  It isn't that much work, and it bakes in 20 minutes!  (well mine took a bit longer than that.)

 

Ham & Cheese Strata
 

8 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

4 cups Italian bread cubes (1 inch)

6 ounces Virginia ham, cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 1/2 cups)

6 ounces Gouda cheese, cut into 3/4-inch dice (1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, drained

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon snipped chives

1 cup coarsely grated Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, salt and pepper. Stir in the bread until evenly moistened, then stir in the ham, Gouda cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of the chives.

2. Butter a 9-by-12-inch baking dish and pour in the strata mixture. Sprinkle the Cheddar cheese on top. Bake for about 20 minutes, until puffed and golden. Let cool slightly, sprinkle with the remaining chives and serve.

in the pan