Stonehurst Place

Ham, Spinach and Cheese Strata at Stonehurst Place: Breakfast-Brunch

Servings: 8

Prep time:15 mins

Ingredients:

• 

  1 tablespoon Organic butter, salted

• 

  1 box 9 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain

• 

  2 medium Organic red or yellow bell peppers, cut into strips

• 

  1 cups diced leeks, Organic if you can get them

• 

  3 cups diced, cooked ham

• 

  2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, Organic if you can get it

• 

  6 cups loaf ciabatta or French bread, cut into 1" cubes

• 

  7 Organic or free-range eggs

• 

  1 1/2 cups Organic milk

• 

  1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 

  1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 

  2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (8 oz)

Step 1:

This recipe must be prepared at least 4 hours before cooking (but not more that 24 hours ahead), so be sure to give yourself advance prep time!

Step 2:

In large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and leeks; cook for approx 5 minutes or until crisp yet tender, stirring frequently. Add spinach, stir until heated and well mixed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3:

In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard and black pepper until blended. Spray 9x13 or 3-quart glass baking dish with cooking spray. In prepared baking dish, layer ham, spinach mixture, 1 Cup of cheddar cheese and bread cubes. Pour egg mixture over bread layer, then sprinkle with remaining Cheddar and Italian cheeses. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate at least 4 hours (but no more than 24).

Step 4:

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Place baking dish with covered, refrigerated strata on middle oven rack and cook 40 minutes. Uncover; bake approx 30 minutes longer or until top is golden brown and when a knife inserted into center comes out clean.

Step 5:

Remove from oven and let set for approximately 10 minutes; cut into desired serving sized pieces and plate.