ASPARAGUS AND HAM STRATA

Asparagus and Ham Strata image

For a quick and easy make-ahead breakfast, do the prep work the night before. Next morning, just pop it in the oven. This casserole version of quiche is so hearty and delicious. -Alla Gray, St. Thomas, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

5 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups cubed Italian or French bread (about 6 ounces)
1-1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 cup cubed deli ham (1/2 inch)
1 cup cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)

Steps:

In a large bowl, whisk the first six ingredients until blended. Stir in bread, 1 cup cheese, ham and asparagus. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight. , Preheat oven to 325°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 40-50 minutes longer or until puffed, golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.Freeze option: After assembling, cover and freeze strata. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 325°. Bake strata as directed, increasing time as necessary for a knife inserted in the center to come out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Fat 18g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 208mg cholesterol, Sodium 839mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 22g protein.