Christmas Morning Strata

Serves 6

We were introduced to these great dish by the West/Burchill clan. Anne found it in an old recipe entitled “Christmas Morning Wife-Saver”. We’ve updated the name to the 21st century!

ingredients

1 loaf day-old Italian or french bread
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) shredded old cheddar cheese
1 cup (250 mL) cubed smoked ham (6 oz/175 g)
6 eggs
2 cups (500 mL) milk
1 tbsp (15 mL) dijon mustard
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh parsley

directions

1
1. Cut bread into 3/4-inch (2 cm) cubes to make 12 cups (3 L). In bowl, toss together bread cubes, 2 cups (500 mL) of the cheese and ham; arrange in greased 13- x 9-inch (3 L) glass baking dish.
2
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt and half of the pepper; pour over bread mixture. Cover and refrigerate, spooning egg mixture over bread mixture occasionally, for 12 hours or overnight.
3
3. Remove pan from fridge. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed and golden. Sprinkle with parsley.

Source: Joanne