Ham and Cheese Strata



This is a great make ahead recipe for Christmas or New years Eve

morning. You make it 24 hours in advance and then just pop it in the

oven. What could be easier?!!



12 slices white bread

12 ounces sharp process cheese

2 cups diced ham

3 T. instant minced onion

6 eggs ,,,lightly beaten

3 1/2 cups milk

1/2 t. salt

1 t. Dijon style mustard

1/4 t. nutmeg



Trim crusts from bread if desired. Cut circles from center of bread

slices with a biscuit cutter; set aside. Place the remaining bread

scraps in the bottom of a lightly buttered 13x9x2 inch casserole dish.

Layer cheese slices and ham cubes over top of bread; sprinkle with

minced onion. Arrange bread circles in a decorative pattern over top.

(Note: Strata will be just as delicious and almost as attractive if

bread slices are simply cut into quarters and layered with ham and

cheese.) Lightly beat eggs. Add milk, salt, mustard and nutmeg. Pour

over contents of baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum

foil and refrigerate 24 hours or overnight. Uncover and bake at 325*

55 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8 to 10

servings. Sparkling Cranberry juice or Champagne are great

accompaniments