Name: Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large (12 ounce) loaf French bread (or any plain bread), cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup cooked ham or bacon, finely chopped; 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, shredded; 10 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 cup fresh green onions, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty breakfast dish to wow your family or guests, I absolutely love sharing my Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe. This bake is like a hug on a plate—packed with gooey cheese, savory ham, and that perfect custardy texture from soaked bread. Whether it’s a special weekend brunch or an easy make-ahead meal, you’ll find that this strata hits all the right notes and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: Let it sit overnight in the fridge and wake up to a nearly ready breakfast.
Comforting Flavors: A scrumptious blend of ham, cheese, and fresh veggies perfectly balanced with herbs and spices.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully without losing its gooey texture or flavor.
Easy to Customize: Swap in your favorite veggies or use turkey or bacon instead of ham to suit your taste.

The image shows a close-up of a slice of baked egg dish held by a spoon, hovering above the rest of the dish on a white plate. The dish has a golden-brown top with crispy edges and visible pieces of red bell peppers, bits of bacon, and green herbs mixed throughout. The texture looks soft and fluffy inside with a light yellow color, and the top surface is slightly uneven with some browned spots. The background has a soft, white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata, Breakfast Strata, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes, Hearty Brunch Ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe work together to create that classic strata texture: fluffy, savory, and a little crisp on the edges. When picking bread, I like to use a sturdy French bread that holds up well under the custard soak without turning mushy.

Flat lay of a large loaf of rustic French bread cut into thick pieces, a medium red bell pepper diced, a small pile of finely chopped cooked ham, a small white bowl filled with shredded Parmesan cheese, ten whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged neatly, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl with smooth Dijon mustard, a small pile of fresh green onions finely chopped, and tiny white bowls each with garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata, Breakfast Strata, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes, Hearty Brunch Ideas

French bread: Choose a loaf that’s a day or two old for better soaking; fresh bread can get too soggy.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and pops of color; feel free to roast it for extra depth.
Cooked ham or bacon: I usually go with ham since it’s less smoky and blends well, but bacon works beautifully too!
Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded gives the best flavor and melts evenly.
Large eggs: They’re the base for the custard that ties everything together.
Whole milk: Helps create the creamy texture; you can swap for half-and-half for a richer strata.
Dijon mustard: Just a touch to add a subtle tang and lift the flavors.
Fresh green onions: They bring a mild oniony bite without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Gives a mellow garlic flavor that blends into every bite.
Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe is super flexible—I love experimenting with it depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Add veggies: I’ve added spinach or mushrooms before and enjoyed how they add an earthy touch without overpowering the ham and cheese.
Swap proteins: Try turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option; my family actually prefers turkey sausage sometimes for a lighter breakfast.
Dairy alternatives: Use almond or oat milk if you’re dairy-free, though it slightly changes the final texture.
Make it gluten-free: I’ve had success swapping the bread for gluten-free bread cubes but be sure they are sturdy enough to soak.

How to Make Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking. Then, chop your bread into 1-inch pieces and layer them evenly in the dish. This creates a sturdy base that soaking custard can cling to without falling apart, which is a trick I learned after a few batches that came out too soggy.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor

Next, evenly scatter the diced red bell peppers, finely chopped ham, and shredded Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes. I like to press the cheese in gently so it melds with the other ingredients during baking—it helps build those delicious cheesy pockets throughout.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This step is crucial because a smooth custard guarantees even soaking and consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine and Rest

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and toppings. Use a spatula to press down gently so all bread pieces absorb the custard. I discovered this trick when some edges stayed dry in earlier attempts—pressing ensures everything soaks consistently.

Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. For even better flavor and convenience, pop it in the fridge overnight. This make-ahead step lets the bread soak thoroughly, turning the strata into a luscious, fluffy breakfast treat.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the custard is fully set. Test doneness by inserting a knife near the center; it should come out clean. Most times, I watch closely from 50 minutes on to avoid overbaking, which I’ve learned can dry out this delicious strata.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better without turning to mush, making a perfect strata texture.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the strata soak for at least 20 minutes, or overnight if possible, helps the flavors really meld.
Customize Cheese Mix: While Parmesan is great, mixing in some cheddar or Gruyère can add extra cheesiness and depth.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the strata toward the end; overbaking can dry it out, so removing it as soon as custard sets is key.

How to Serve Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick slice of a baked dish on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The dish has multiple layers, starting with a firm golden-brown crust at the bottom, followed by a fluffy, light yellow middle layer filled with small chunks of red peppers and green herbs. The top layer is slightly browned and crispy with scattered pieces of onion and bits of ham or bacon, giving it a textured look. In front of the slice, a wooden fork with a small bite of the dish is slightly blurred. The background is plain and softly lit, focusing attention on the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata, Breakfast Strata, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes, Hearty Brunch Ideas

Garnishes

When I serve this strata, I love topping it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—they add a bright pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado on the side give it a creamy contrast that balances out the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

We usually pair this with a light fruit salad or fresh berries to cut through the savory richness. Crispy breakfast potatoes or roasted asparagus are also favorites when I want something a little heartier alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve turned this strata into individual servings using mini ramekins—everyone loves having their own perfectly baked portion. Another fun idea I tried was layering in colorful vegetables like roasted cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach for a festive, vibrant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover strata keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. I usually label mine so I remember to enjoy it within that window. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making leftovers sometimes even better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend cooling the strata completely, then slicing into portions and wrapping each piece tightly in foil. Placing them inside a freezer bag helps prevent freezer burn. I’ve had great luck with this method—the slices thaw evenly when moved to the fridge overnight and keep their texture after reheating.

Reheating

Reheating is simple: I pop slices into a 300°F oven for 10-20 minutes until warmed through and edges regain that crispy texture. If you’re short on time, the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes works wonders too. Avoid microwaving as it can make the strata soggy and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the French bread for a sturdy gluten-free bread. Look for a variety that’s a bit dense so it holds up well when soaked with custard. Day-old or lightly toasted gluten-free bread works best to avoid mushiness.
Can I prepare the strata the night before?

Absolutely. One of the best parts of this recipe is that after assembling, you can cover it and refrigerate overnight. This resting period lets the custard soak the bread fully, resulting in a richer, more cohesive bake. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What cheeses work well in this strata?

While Parmesan is the star here for its sharpness and melt, I often mix in cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even mozzarella. These cheeses add creaminess and depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Can I use other meats besides ham?

Definitely! Cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken can substitute ham. Make sure your meat is pre-cooked and chopped into small pieces to distribute the flavor evenly.
How do I know when the strata is fully cooked?

It’s done when the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, without any jiggle. A knife inserted near the middle should come out clean. If you notice soggy or liquid spots, give it a little more time to bake.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ham Breakfast Strata Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together around the table with smiles and full bellies. It’s comforting, simple to throw together, and flexible enough to suit many tastes and dietary needs. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and trust me, your kitchen and guests will thank you for it!