HAM, CHEESE, AND SPINACH STRATA

HAM, CHEESE, AND SPINACH STRATA image

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 cups firm day old bread cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Tb butter
1 cup finely chopped onion
½ red pepper, chopped
4-6 oz fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2 cups grated sharp cheddar
¾ cup diced ham
6 eggs
2½ cups milk or half-and-half
2 tsp Dijon mustard
¾ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 tsp dried basil
Handful cherry tomatoes, halved [optional

Steps:

Spray a 9 x 13 casserole with cooking spray. Melt butter in large skillet. Sauté onion and pepper and over medium-low heat until soft [about 5 minutes]. Add the spinach, cover pan, and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. Scatter half the bread cubes in casserole. Spoon spinach mixture over bread, then sprinkle on half of the cheese and all of the ham. Scatter the rest of the bread cubes over layers and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, and basil. Pour liquid evenly over the casserole. Scatter tomatoes over top. Press down bread cubes slightly to moisten. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove plastic wrap and bake at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes until set. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.