Breakfast & Brunch
Monte Cristo Strata
Description
This cheesy and indulgent strata is inspired by the flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich: ham, tangy mustard and Gruyere cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (20 oz) country white bread, crusts removed and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
- 14 oz sliced Black Forest ham
- 3 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (14 oz)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
Directions:
- Heat oven to 375°F. Generously grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with shortening or cooking spray.
- Place layer of bread slices in bottom of baking dish. Brush with 2 tablespoons of the mustard. Top with half of the ham slices, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of the sage. Repeat layers, reserving last 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.
- In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk, then add milk and ground pepper; beat to combine. Carefully and evenly pour egg mixture over layers in baking dish, making sure bread absorbs most of the liquid. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and 1 tablespoon fresh sage.
- Cover dish with sheet of greased foil. Let stand 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake about 35 minutes or until dish is baked through and bubbly. Remove foil, and bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese on top is lightly golden.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
