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12) Ham-and-Swiss Brunch French Toast Strata

Savory again, and solidly good. Crisp edges, soft middle, layers of diced ham and melted Swiss throughout. I make this one for weekend brunches when we have people over, or on sports mornings when everyone needs something more substantial than a granola bar.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups cubed day-old challah or brioche about 10 oz
  • 8 oz diced ham
  • 8 oz shredded Swiss cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch dish.
  2. Layer half the bread, then half the ham and half the cheese in the dish.
  3. Repeat the layers with remaining bread, ham, and cheese.
  4. Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Pour egg mixture evenly over the strata and press down gently.
  6. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until set and golden.
  8. Let rest 10 minutes, then cut and serve.