HAM, SPINACH AND FONTINA (OR GRUYERE) STRATA

Ham, Spinach and Fontina (Or Gruyere) Strata image

Provided by Nif_H

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large baguette
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1 lb ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 large eggs
4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
salt & freshly ground black pepper
6 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped (about 2 bunches)
3/4 lb Fontina cheese or 3/4 lb gruyere cheese, grated

Steps:

Preheat broiler. Cut baguette diagnoally into 3/4" thick slices. Brush both sides with butter and toast on baking sheet 3" from heat until golden, about 30 seconds each side.
Heat oil in frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and stir until golden. Add ham and saute until lightly browned. Set aside.
In large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Add toasted bread and toss gently. Transfer saturated bread to shallow 3 quart casserole, slightly overlapping slices. Place spinach and ham mixture between slices. Pour remaining egg mixture over all.
Sprinkle cheese over strata, slightly lifting baguette slices with a spatula to allow cheese to fall between all slices. Preheat oven to 350°F Bake strata in middle of oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until puffed and edges of bread are golden and eggs are set.