LAYERED HAM ~ N ~ CHEESE STRATA

Layered Ham ~ N ~ Cheese Strata image

Provided by Cassie *

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 - 2 Tbsp bacon fat or oil
3 c good cooked ham, cubed into 1/2 - 1 inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
10 - 12 Tbsp medium thickness - slices of french bread
butter softened, enough to butter both sides of bread
4 oz shredded, provolone cheese
8 oz shredded, cheddar cheese - i use sharp
11 large eggs, beaten
3 c milk
1 tsp each - kosher salt & pepper or to taste
1 tsp dried parsley

Steps:

1. In a medium skillet ( I used my iron skillet ) over medium heat, brown onion & ham in either bacon fat ( what I used ) or oil. Set aside
2. Butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Set Aside. I then sliced a loaf of french bread, about 1 1/2 inch thickness. Butter both sides of bread and lay in bottom of dish to cover bottom, without overlapping. You may have to cut one in half to fit it in, depending how big your slices are. Layer half the onion and ham mixture evenly over the buttered bread.
3. Sprinkle half the cheeses over the ham. Then, layer with another row of bread. Sprinkle the other half of ham & onions.
4. In a large bowl, beat eggs with milk, salt, pepper and parsley. Pour this evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover all of he bread. Sprinkle the top with remaining cheese and cover. Refrigerate over night.
5. Bake in a 350 degree oven covered for 30 minutes.
6. Remove cover and bake an additional 30 minutes. The last 5 minutes of baking, I broil so to get a golden color on the cheese. Let sit for 5 minutes and cut...delicious!