Ham Spinach and Fontina or Gruyere Strata
Elevate your brunch game with this Ham, Spinach, and Fontina or Gruyere Strata—a savory, make-ahead casserole that's as comforting as it is delicious. Bursting with layers of fluffy, custard-soaked bread, hearty diced ham, tender sautéed spinach, and the nutty richness of Fontina or Gruyere cheese, this recipe combines bold flavors into every bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is easy to prepare with simple steps like whisking together a creamy custard infused with Dijon mustard and fresh thyme for an herby kick. Baked to golden perfection, this strata offers a balance of crisp edges and a soft, creamy center, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday breakfasts or leisurely weekend brunches. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use day-old bread! Serve warm, paired with a light salad or fruit, for a truly satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 8 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
- 5 cups bread, cubed (day-old or slightly stale)
- 1.5 cups Fontina or Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 8 large eggs
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, cubed bread, and shredded fontina or gruyere cheese. Add the sautéed spinach and toss gently to mix.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and (if using) fresh thyme leaves. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the baking dish.
Press down gently on the bread mixture with a spatula to ensure the custard soaks in well. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the strata is set.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4453 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 223.2 g | 286% | |
| Saturated Fat | 104.0 g | 520% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2098 mg | 700% | |
| Sodium | 10356 mg | 450% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 356.8 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.0 g | 93% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.0 g | ||
| Protein | 254.5 g | 509% | |
| Vitamin D | 15.6 mcg | 78% | |
| Calcium | 2825 mg | 217% | |
| Iron | 34.4 mg | 191% | |
| Potassium | 3135 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
