Ham-Asparagus Strata
This delightful Ham-Asparagus Strata is the perfect dish to serve for brunch or a cozy breakfast. It is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to use either ham or chicken paired with your choice of asparagus or broccoli. This recipe, adapted from Better Homes & Gardens, can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 4 English muffins, cut into cubes
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (or chicken, if preferred)
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces (or broccoli, if you prefer)
- 4 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- **1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- **1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the Dish: Begin by greasing a 2-quart square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the English muffin cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
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Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle the diced ham (or chicken) over the muffin cubes. Next, layer the asparagus (or broccoli) on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of both Swiss and Gruyère cheeses. Finish this layer with the remaining English muffin cubes, spread evenly over the top.
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Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until well combined. Stir in the milk, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. If you’re using chicken, you might want to add a pinch of salt at this stage to season it.
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Assemble and Chill: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to soak into the muffins.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the cover from the dish and bake the strata in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The strata should be golden brown and puffed up.
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Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the strata stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the strata to set and makes it easier to cut into servings.
Tips
- Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for preparing the night before, making your brunch or breakfast a breeze to pull together.
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the ham for cooked chicken or the asparagus for broccoli, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the strata with a fresh green salad or a fruit platter for a complete brunch spread.
Enjoy this cheesy, savory strata as a wonderful addition to your breakfast or brunch repertoire, bringing comfort and deliciousness to your table with minimal effort. 🌟🍽️
