Cheesy

Cheese And Ham Strata

Name: Cheese And Ham Strata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups (720g) bread, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes; 2 cups (220g) grated cheddar cheese; 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) diced ham; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh thyme; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh rosemary; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream; 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper

By Priya Norwood · June 19, 2026 · Cheesy

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made a Cheese And Ham Strata for my family. It was a chilly winter morning, and the aroma of melted cheese and baked ham filled our home, making everyone's stomach growl with anticipation. This dish has since become a staple in our household, especially during the holidays or when we have guests over.

The beauty of a strata lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can use any combination of cheeses, meats, and vegetables you like, making it a great way to use up leftovers or experiment with new flavors. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a classic Cheese And Ham Strata that's sure to become a favorite.

One of the things I love about this dish is that it's perfect for a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a large group, and it's just as delicious served at room temperature as it is hot out of the oven. Plus, the leftovers are amazing, making it a great option for meal prep or packing in lunches.

So, what makes this Cheese And Ham Strata so special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are straightforward. But what really sets it apart is the combination of flavors and textures. The creamy cheese, the savory ham, and the fresh herbs all come together to create a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.

Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a easy and delicious meal, or a seasoned chef looking to impress your guests, this Cheese And Ham Strata is sure to become a new favorite. So, let's get started and see how to make this amazing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheese And Ham Strata is perfect for a crowd, and can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a large group.
The dish is incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
The combination of flavors and textures is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a great option for special occasions or everyday meals.
The leftovers are amazing, making it a great option for meal prep or packing in lunches.
You can experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to find the combination that works best for you.
The strata is perfect for brunch or dinner, and can be served at room temperature or hot out of the oven.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great strata is in the layering. By alternating layers of bread, cheese, and ham, you create a dish that's both visually appealing and texturally interesting. The bread soaks up the flavors of the cheese and ham, while the cheese adds a creamy, melted element to the dish.

Another important factor is the cooking time and temperature. By baking the strata at a moderate temperature, you allow the cheese to melt and the bread to toast, creating a golden, crispy crust on top. And, by letting it rest for a few minutes before serving, you allow the flavors to meld together and the strata to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

The type of cheese you use is also crucial. A combination of cheddar and Parmesan provides a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess, while the fresh herbs add a bright, freshness to the dish. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to find the combination that works best for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to the ingredients, the key is to use high-quality, fresh components. Look for a good, crusty bread, and a sharp, flavorful cheese. The ham should be thinly sliced, and the fresh herbs should be fragrant and bright. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to find the combination that works best for you.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, along with some fresh thyme and rosemary. We'll also be using some diced ham, and a few cloves of garlic to add depth and flavor to the dish.

6 cups (720g) bread, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubesLook for a good, crusty bread that will hold up well to the liquid ingredients. You can use a day-old bread or a fresh bread, whichever you prefer.
2 cups (220g) grated cheddar cheeseA sharp, flavorful cheese is essential to this dish. You can use a white or yellow cheddar, whichever you prefer.
1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheeseThe Parmesan adds a nice salty, nutty flavor to the dish. You can use a fresh or aged Parmesan, whichever you prefer.
1/2 cup (60g) diced hamLook for a thinly sliced ham that's low in sodium. You can use a black forest ham or a prosciutto, whichever you prefer.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh thymeFresh thyme adds a bright, freshness to the dish. You can use a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a teaspoon of dried thyme, whichever you prefer.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh rosemaryFresh rosemary adds a piney, herbaceous flavor to the dish. You can use a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or a teaspoon of dried rosemary, whichever you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish. You can use a few cloves of garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder, whichever you prefer.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy creamThe heavy cream adds a rich, creamy element to the dish. You can use a half-and-half or a whole milk, whichever you prefer.
2 large eggsThe eggs help to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dish. You can use a few egg whites or a few egg yolks, whichever you prefer.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltThe salt enhances the flavors of the ingredients and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the bread and cheese.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperThe black pepper adds a nice depth and warmth to the dish. You can use a few grinds of black pepper or a teaspoon of white pepper, whichever you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometer9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dishWhiskMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Cheese And Ham Strata

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the diced ham over medium heat until it's lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, salt, and black pepper.
4
Add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the bowl and stir until they're well combined.
5
Add the cooked ham, chopped thyme, and chopped rosemary to the bowl and stir until they're well combined.
6
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until they're evenly coated with the egg mixture.
7
Grease the 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish with a little bit of butter or cooking spray.
8
Add the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
9
Bake the strata for 35-40 minutes, or until it's golden brown and set.
10
Remove the strata from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
11
Slice the strata into individual portions and serve hot, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary.

Expert Tips

Use a good, crusty bread that will hold up well to the liquid ingredients.
Don't overmix the bread mixture, or it will become tough and dense.
Let the strata rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the strata to set.
You can make the strata ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning.
You can also freeze the strata for up to 2 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the morning.
Experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to find the combination that works best for you.
Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the strata for added flavor and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the bread mixture, which can make it tough and dense.
Not letting the strata rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which can make it difficult to slice and serve.
Using a low-quality bread that doesn't hold up well to the liquid ingredients.
Not greasing the baking dish properly, which can cause the strata to stick and become difficult to remove.
Overbaking the strata, which can make it dry and crumbly.
Not using enough cheese, which can make the strata dry and flavorless.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the strata for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or feta, to change the flavor profile of the strata.
Add some cooked sausage or bacon to the strata for added protein and flavor.
Use a different type of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to change the texture and flavor of the strata.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the strata for added flavor and freshness.
Make individual strata in ramekins or small baking dishes for a fun and easy breakfast or brunch option.

What to Serve With Cheese And Ham Strata

This Cheese And Ham Strata is perfect for serving at brunch or dinner. You can serve it hot, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. It's also a great option for meal prep or packing in lunches.

Some ideas for sides or accompaniments include a green salad, a fruit salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with a few slices of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a lighter option.

Serve with a green saladServe with a fruit saladServe with a side of roasted vegetablesServe with a few slices of fresh fruitServe with a dollop of yogurt

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Cheese And Ham Strata can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight, then baked in the morning. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the morning.

To store the strata, let it cool completely on a wire rack, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

To reheat the strata, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), then bake it for 15-20 minutes, or until it's hot and golden brown. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, or it can become dry and crumbly.

One of the best things about this strata is that it's perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the bread mixture and the egg mixture the night before, then assemble and bake the strata in the morning. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or for special occasions when you want to impress your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this strata ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the strata ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the morning.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as Swiss or feta, to change the flavor profile of the strata. Just be sure to use a combination of cheeses that melts well and has a good flavor.

Can I add some diced vegetables to the strata?

Yes, you can add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the strata for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cook them until they're tender before adding them to the strata.

Can I make individual strata?

Yes, you can make individual strata in ramekins or small baking dishes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Can I freeze the strata?

Yes, you can freeze the strata for up to 2 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it in the morning. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

How do I reheat the strata?

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use a different type of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to change the texture and flavor of the strata. Just be sure to use a bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to the liquid ingredients.

How do I store the strata?

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