The “Ham & Brie Strata” is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Brie cheese, ham, and mushrooms. This flavorful strata can be prepared in advance and baked the next day, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. With a crispy bread layer, creamy Brie, and savory ham, this dish is sure to impress both guests and family members alike. Whether served for brunch or as a savory dinner option, the Ham & Brie Strata is a go-to recipe for anyone looking to indulge in a hearty and delicious meal.
Ham & Brie Strata
Introduction
Ham & Brie Strata is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of ham, Brie cheese, and mushrooms. This article will provide a comprehensive recipe for making this dish, including a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutrition information. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a satisfying dinner option, this Ham & Brie Strata is sure to please.
Ingredients
To make the Ham & Brie Strata, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 cups (about 8 ounces) cubed day-old French bread
- 2 cups cubed deli ham
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups 2% milk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the Ham & Brie Strata:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the mushrooms and onion to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are golden brown and the onion is tender, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the fresh baby spinach and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally. This should take about 1-2 minutes longer.
- Transfer the mushroom mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Add the cubed day-old French bread, cubed deli ham, and chopped Brie cheese to the baking dish, combining them with the mushroom mixture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake the strata, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the strata to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- If you prefer to prepare the strata in advance, you can refrigerate the unbaked strata, covered, for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and follow the baking instructions as directed.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of the Ham & Brie Strata contains approximately:
- 243 calories
- 12g fat (6g saturated fat)
- 162mg cholesterol
- 680mg sodium
- 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber)
- 18g protein
Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making the Ham & Brie Strata:
- Use day-old French bread for the best texture in the strata.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms to customize the flavor.
- Make sure to remove the rind from the Brie cheese before chopping it.
- Serve the strata with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations
While the Ham & Brie Strata is delicious as written, you can also add your own variations to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add cooked bacon or sausage for an extra meaty flavor.
- Include different types of cheese, such as Swiss or Cheddar, to change the flavor profile.
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or caramelized onions, for added depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead Option
The Ham & Brie Strata can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. This is a convenient option if you want to prep the dish the night before and simply bake it in the morning. Just make sure to refrigerate the unbaked strata, covered, for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, follow the preheating and baking instructions as directed.
Serve
The Ham & Brie Strata is a versatile dish that can be served for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fruit for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Copyright Information
All rights reserved. This article and its content are protected by copyright laws and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of the author.
In summary, Ham & Brie Strata is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines ham, Brie cheese, and mushrooms in a delicious strata. With its easy-to-follow recipe and make-ahead option, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for brunch or dinner. So give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of comfort on your plate.