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Make this overnight ham strata recipe with cheese and English muffins when you want a morning off! It's an easy breakfast casserole recipe the whole family will love!
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite breakfast dishes from my make-ahead meal stores: easy overnight ham and cheese strata.
It sounds fancy, but strata is basically an egg casserole that's even tastier when the bread (in this case, English muffins) soaks up the egg mixture overnight.
Yep. It's best to make it ahead of time. It forces organization and meal planning, followed by a leisurely morning.
It's the main reason I make overnight casseroles, like French toast casserole and Simply Potatoes breakfast casserole, for special occasions like Mother's Day, Christmas morning, and Easter brunch.
You don't miss any of the fun. When you're ready for breakfast the next morning, just place the prepared dish in the oven and cook.
Here's why you'll love this recipe too:
- You can make it ahead of time.
- It's a great way to use leftover ham.
- It's a comforting, hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's kid-friendly too.
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Ingredient Notes
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this easy ham strata with cheese:
- English muffins or your favorite bread, torn into bite-sized pieces. Firm bread, such as brioche or stale bread, works great. Use keto English muffins, bread, or 3-ingredient chaffles to lower the carbs.
- Leftover baked ham, large slices of deli ham, or ham steaks are diced. I opt for low-sodium ham, which you can easily find in the deli. Some ham steaks are also lower in salt.
- Egg mixture:
- Eggs
- Milk or any cream
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Salt and black pepper
- Cheddar Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese. Swiss cheese and gruyere cheese also pair nicely with ham.
- Green onions or scallions (it's the same thing!) give this dish a subtle onion bite. Add to the filling and use as a garnish.
Variations
- Substitute sausage or bacon for ham.
- Replace all or part of the protein with vegetables:
- Asparagus - Use thin stalks that will cook quickly in the dish.
- Roasted tomatoes.
- Zucchini that cut into small segments.
- Cooked mushrooms that have the liquid already removed.
Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.
Directions with Pictures
Here's how to make easy ham strata:
Step 1. Butter a 9 x 12 baking dish or spritz it with nonstick cooking spray. Tear English muffins into bite-sized pieces and scatter them in the bottom of the casserole dish.
Step 2. Layer diced ham and sliced green onions in the casserole dish. Whisk eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Evenly pour the mixture over the dish.
Step 3. Top with shredded cheese. At this point, I like to poke around with a fork so that some of the bread pieces peek through at the top. Store the casserole in the refrigerator for at least a half hour or overnight before baking.
Step 4. Bake covered with aluminum foil for approximately 20 minutes. Remove foil and cook for 10 minutes more or until the top is golden brown. Allow to set for about 5 minutes before serving.
Top Tip
Allow the casserole to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours so that the English muffins can absorb the egg mixture!
Serving Ideas for a Brunch
Ham strata is the centerpiece of any breakfast or brunch! I serve this breakfast casserole with one or two vegetables and fruit salad if it's a larger gathering. These veggies are always a hit:
- Mixed greens salad with strawberries, walnuts, and sweet red wine vinegar dressing
- Crispy air-fried green beans
- Balsamic roasted asparagus.
- Roasted radishes and carrots in the spring!
And for a show-stopping finishing touch, Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream!
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover ham strata in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, then bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For individual portions, use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
Make and Freeze: Assemble the strata in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To cook a frozen ham strata: Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature and cook as usual.
More Breakfast Ideas
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Overnight Ham Strata Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 English muffins Torn into bite-sized pieces; about 6 cups; Other thick breads like brioche or stale bread may be used; Low-carb, keto, and low-calorie options will work in this recipe.
- 2 cups cooked ham diced; about 10 ounces; Look for low sodium if desired.
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or any cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup green onions sliced; green and white parts
- 2 cups Cheddar Jack cheese shredded; Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Swiss cheese, or gruyere
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 12 baking dish or spritz it with nonstick cooking spray. Tear English muffins into bite-sized pieces and scatter them in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Layer diced ham and sliced green onions in the casserole dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Evenly pour the mixture over the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. At this point, I like to poke around with a fork so that some of the bread pieces peek through.
- Refrigerate the casserole for at least half an hour or overnight so that the English muffins absorb some of the egg mixture.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for 10 minutes more, or until the top is lightly browned. Allow the casserole to set for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
Top Tip
Allow the casserole to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours so that the English muffins can absorb the egg mixture!Healthy Swaps
See notes for each ingredient above.- This can be made with low-carb, keto, or low-calorie English Muffins or bread.
- Low-salt ham will reduce the sodium count.
Nini
Delicious! And I had all the ingredients on hand😋
Marjory Pilley
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! It’s going to be on our menu again next weeek!