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Ham and Cheese Strata – A Mulberry Inn Classic

The aroma of this savory strata baking always takes me back to Christmas mornings at my grandmother’s house. The entire family, bleary-eyed but buzzing with anticipation, would gather around the tree, the twinkling lights reflecting in our excited faces. While presents were being unwrapped, a golden, cheesy fragrance would fill the air, a promise of the delicious breakfast to come. The Ham and Cheese Strata, born from a treasured recipe I adapted from the Mulberry Inn & Gardens Bed & Breakfast, became an integral part of our holiday tradition, a warm and comforting centerpiece amidst the joyful chaos. It’s a dish that’s not just about the taste, but about the shared moments and cherished memories it evokes.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 (9×13 inch) baking dish
Dietary Type: Not suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

16 slices white bread, crusts removed
16 slices deli ham, thin
8 slices American cheese
8 slices Swiss cheese
3 cups milk
6 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
2 cups corn flakes, crushed
1/4 cup butter, melted

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil or plastic wrap

Instructions

Begin by preparing the foundation of your strata. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Now, assemble the first layer: Arrange 8 slices of bread in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom as much as possible. You may need to tear or cut the bread to fit snugly.
Next, create a layer of savory goodness. Cover the bread with 8 slices of deli ham, ensuring even distribution.
Add a layer of cheesy delight. Place 8 slices of American cheese over the ham, covering as much surface area as possible.
Repeat the bread and ham layers: Arrange another 8 slices of bread over the American cheese. Then, cover with the remaining 8 slices of deli ham.
Finish with the final cheese layer: Top the ham with 8 slices of Swiss cheese, creating a melty, nutty finish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, dry mustard, and onion salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Ensure that the bread is thoroughly soaked; gently press down on the layers if necessary to help absorb the liquid.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes and melted butter. Mix until the corn flakes are evenly coated with the butter. This mixture will provide a delicious, crispy topping.
Sprinkle the corn flake mixture evenly over the top of the strata. This will create a golden-brown, textural contrast to the soft interior.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together. Letting it sit overnight is crucial for the best results!
The next morning, remove the strata from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. This will allow it to come to room temperature slightly and ensure even baking.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Bake the strata, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden brown, and the egg mixture is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Remove the strata from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Cheese Upgrade: While the original recipe calls for American cheese, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, or provolone for a more complex flavor. A mix of cheeses can also be interesting.
Bread Choice: Using day-old bread helps to prevent a soggy strata. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast it before assembling the dish.
Even Baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking dish halfway through the cooking time.
Crispy Topping: If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the strata up to 24 hours in advance. This makes it perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings.
Broiler Boost: For an extra golden and crispy top, you can broil the strata for the last minute or two of baking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Ham and Cheese Strata immediately while it is still warm and puffed. It’s delicious on its own or with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake the entire strata in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through.

The assembled, unbaked strata can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Note that the texture may be slightly different after freezing and thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	567 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	30.5g	46%
Saturated Fat	16.1g	80%
Cholesterol	234.3mg	78%
Sodium	1376.1mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate	40.9g	13%
Dietary Fiber	2.1g	8%
Sugars	3.4g	N/A
Protein	31.7g	63%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Strata: Substitute the ham with sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and onions.
Spicy Strata: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little heat.
Different Bread: Experiment with different types of bread, such as croissants, sourdough, or brioche, for a unique flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free Strata: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Strata: Use a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or oat milk) and dairy-free cheese substitutes. Note that this will significantly change the flavor and texture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I prepare this strata the same day I want to bake it?
A: While it’s best to refrigerate the strata overnight, you can bake it after a minimum of 2-3 hours of refrigeration. However, the longer it sits, the better the flavors will meld.

Q: What if I don’t have corn flakes?
A: You can substitute crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or even crumbled potato chips for a similar crispy topping.

Q: How do I know when the strata is fully cooked?
A: The strata is done when it is puffed and golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this strata?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked sausage, bacon, tomatoes, or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

Q: Can I freeze individual portions of the baked strata?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

The Ham and Cheese Strata, adapted from the Mulberry Inn & Gardens, is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual weekend brunch, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try it out, experiment with your favorite cheeses and fillings, and make it your own. Share your creations and feedback, and perhaps, like it did for my family, this strata will become a cherished tradition in yours as well! Bon appétit!

Ham and Cheese Strata – Mulberry Inn Recipe