CHEESE STRATA WITH HAM AND TOMATOES

Cheese Strata with Ham and Tomatoes image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Ingredients

12 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup diced baked ham
1 cup Oven-Dried Tomatoes, chopped, recipe follows
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons thinly sliced fresh chives
2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 pound sourdough bread, crust trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cored and cut in half lengthwise
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 to 5 sprigs fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, or marjoram

Steps:

Butter a 3-quart gratin dish or casserole. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Toss ham, tomatoes, parsley, and chives together in a small bowl.
Scatter 1/2 cup of cheese into prepared dish. Layer with 1/3 of bread and half of ham mixture. Repeat. Top strata with a final layer of bread and remaining 1 cup cheese.
Pour egg mixture over top of dish and gently press to make moistened all bread layers. Drizzle with melted butter, cover strata with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to overnight.
Preheat to 350 degrees F. Bake strata, on middle oven rack, uncovered, until slightly puffed and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
Arrange tomatoes, cut side up, in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Bake until slightly shriveled but still plump, about 5 hours.
If not using immediately, refrigerate dried tomatoes, covered, up to 4 days. Or, if desired, layer tomatoes with herb sprigs and add olive oil. Refrigerate, covered, for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 570, Fat 35 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Cholesterol 385 milligrams, Sodium 890 milligrams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 27 grams