Elegant Ham and Asparagus Breakfast Strata

This Breakfast Strata features tender pieces of savory ham and crisp asparagus, layered between slices of rich, buttery bread. Baked to golden perfection, it’s infused with creamy eggs and fresh herbs, creating a delightful dish that’s perfect for special brunch occasions. A crowd-pleaser that embodies sophistication with each serving.
ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: extra chives for garnish
steps
- 1.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- 2.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, chives, and parsley until well combined.
- 3.
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom followed by half of the diced ham and asparagus.
- 4.
Sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese on top of the first layer.
- 5.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread, ham, asparagus, and cheese.
- 6.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers, ensuring all bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak.
- 7.
Drizzle olive oil over the top and gently press down the strata with your hands to ensure it’s uniformly soaked.
- 8.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and set in the middle.
- 9.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
- 10.
Serve warm for a delightful brunch experience.