Cheese Strata with Ham and Tomatoes
- Level: Intermediate
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 8 servings
- Calories
- 589
- Total Fat
- 35
- Saturated Fat
- 15
- Carbohydrates
- 39
- Dietary Fiber
- 3
- Sugar
- 9
- Protein
- 30
- Cholesterol
- 355
- Sodium
- 957
- Total: 1 hr 25 min
- Prep: 30 min
- Cook: 55 min
Ingredients
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup diced baked ham
1 cup Oven-Dried Tomatoes, chopped, recipe follows
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons thinly sliced fresh chives
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 pound sourdough bread (boule preferred), crust removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
Oven-Dried Tomatoes
2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cored and cut in half lengthwise
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
Fresh herb sprigs, like thyme, rosemary, or sage (optional)
Directions
- Grease a 3-quart gratin dish or casserole with 1 teaspoon of the butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Set aside. In a small bowl, toss together the ham, tomatoes, parsley, and chives.
- To make the strata: Scatter a 1/2 cup of the cheese over the bottom of the buttered dish, cover with one-third of the bread, and then half of the tomato mixture. Repeat. Top with a final layer of bread and remaining cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the strata and gently press it down with the back of a large spoon to make sure the top layer is moistened with the custard. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the strata. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the strata, uncovered, until golden brown and slightly puffed, about 45 to 55 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Oven-Dried Tomatoes
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Arrange the tomatoes cut side-up in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the salt. Dry in oven until slightly shriveled but still plump, about 5 to 6 hours.
- If not using immediately, store the tomatoes in a sealed container in the refrigerator, for 3 to 4 days. Alternatively, layer them in a container with the herbs, cover with olive oil, and store, covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 2 weeks.
- Yield: about 2 cups
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