HAM STRATA

I've been trying to get better at using up leftovers by finding a good recipe that uses that particular item.  In this case, I had some sliced ham in the freezer (for months actually) that I needed to use before it ended up with a severe case of freezer burn.  So, I started looking up breakfast recipes that used ham.  I found several actually, landing on a strata.  An added bonus for me when I do this is when the recipe is a winner....which was the case with this one!

What's cool about strata recipes is most recipes have you prepare it and refrigerate it overnight.  So, when you awaken, you can pre-heat the oven and pop it in and be enjoying a nice hot breakfast in about an hour.

INGREDIENTS:

*9 slices bread, torn into bite size pieces

½ cup diced fresh mushrooms (I had a few leftover cremini in the fridge)
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
16 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped onion
2 cups cubed cooked ham
8 eggs
2 cups milk

* the recipe did not indicate what type of bread, so I went with a hearty multi-grain.  It was good, but I think next time I'd like to try a sourdough

DIRECTIONS:
Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.  Layer half of the torn bread in the bottom of the dish.  Sprinkle the mushrooms and pepper evenly over the bread layer.  Sprinkle half the cheese.  Top with the remaining bread pieces, then layer with the onion and ham.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Whisk together the eggs and milk; pour over the entire pan.  Cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

The next morning......pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Bake covered for 35 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until top is evenly brown.

I cut up individual squares (yes...with the leftovers...)  and placed them in the freezer.  Now, I'll have some easy "go to" breakfasts that can be heated in the microwave.

Enjoy!
recipe c/o: all recipes.com