Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata

Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata Recipe - A Delicious Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This savory strata is made with layers of bread, mushrooms, ham, and cheese, all soaked in a creamy egg mixture and baked to perfection. It's a great make-ahead dish that can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a stress-free meal.

History

The strata is a dish that originated in Italy and is similar to a savory bread pudding. It was traditionally made with leftover bread, cheese, and vegetables, all soaked in a custard-like mixture and baked until golden and bubbly. Over time, different variations of the strata have been created, including this Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata recipe.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cup assorted sliced fresh mushrooms, such as oyster, shiitake, button, white, and/or cremini
2 tbsp assorted snipped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, and/or parsley
5 cup French or italian bread cubes
2 oz (57 g) chopped ham
1 cup of shredded mozzarella
1 cup frozen or refrigerated egg substitute product, thawed
1.75 cup skim milk
0.5 cup fat-free sour cream
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp pepper

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic in a hot pan sprayed with cooking spray over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes more or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add herbs.
In a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) square baking dish, place half of the bread cubes. Top with the mushroom mixture, ham, and mozzarella.
In a mixing bowl, combine beaten eggs or egg product, milk, sour cream, mustard, and pepper. Pour over the layers in the dish. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours.
Bake, uncovered, in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 55 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
To serve, cut into squares. If desired, garnish with fresh herb sprigs.

Variations

Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add in more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free bread mix in place of the French or Italian bread.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives in place of the mozzarella and skim milk.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a variety of mushrooms for the best flavor. You can use oyster, shiitake, button, white, and/or cremini mushrooms.

- Make sure to let the strata chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and ensures a creamy and delicious texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding in your favorite vegetables or meats. Spinach, bell peppers, sausage, or bacon would all be great additions.

Serving Suggestions

This Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Sauteing: Saute the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in a skillet before layering them in the baking dish.

- Baking: Bake the strata in the oven until it is golden brown and set in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ham: You can use cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey in place of the ham.

- Cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.

- Bread: Any type of bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or rye, can be used in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

This Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy mornings or brunches.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the strata with fresh herb sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving. You can also serve it on a decorative platter or individual plates for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata pairs well with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a cup of soup. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a mimosa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 20g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 6% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Wheat

Summary

This Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.

Summary

Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. With layers of bread, mushrooms, ham, and cheese, all soaked in a creamy egg mixture and baked to perfection, this strata is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it on its own or with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata. The combination of flavors and ingredients intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a go.

I had always been a lover of cooking, and over the years I had collected a vast array of recipes from various places and people. Some were handed down from generation to generation, while others were discovered in magazines, cookbooks, or even online. But this recipe, it spoke to me in a way that none of the others had before.

I decided to make the Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata for a family gathering that was coming up. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – mushrooms, ham, cheese, bread, eggs, milk, and a few seasonings. As I chopped and sliced, mixed and stirred, the kitchen was filled with the comforting smells of home-cooked food.

Once the strata was assembled and in the oven, I sat back and thought about how I had come to love cooking so much. I remembered how I had learned to cook from my own grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen. She had taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients, of cooking with love and care, and of always being open to trying new recipes.

I also recalled the time I had spent studying at a cooking school in France, where I had learned the art of French cuisine. The techniques and skills I had acquired there had stayed with me throughout the years, and had helped me to become the cook I was today.

As the Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata baked in the oven, the tantalizing aromas drew my family into the kitchen. They oohed and aahed as I took the golden-brown dish out of the oven and placed it on the table. I could see the anticipation in their eyes as they waited for me to serve them a slice.

As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the strata danced on our tongues. The earthy mushrooms, salty ham, and gooey cheese were a match made in heaven. The bread had soaked up all the rich flavors, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that warmed us from the inside out.

As we ate, my family praised me for my cooking skills and asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious dish. I smiled and told them about the recipe I had found in the old cookbook, and how it had inspired me to create something special for them.

After we had all finished eating, my family asked me to write down the recipe for the Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata so that they could make it for themselves in the future. I happily agreed, knowing that this recipe would now become a part of our family tradition.

As I sat down to write out the recipe, I thought about how cooking had always brought me joy and fulfillment. It was a way for me to express myself creatively, to show my love and care for others, and to connect with my past and present.

I knew that I would continue to cook and experiment with new recipes for as long as I was able. And I hoped that one day, my own grandchildren would look back on the recipes I had passed down to them with the same fondness and appreciation that I had for the ones I had inherited.

But for now, I was content to savor the moment, to relish in the warm glow of a family meal shared together, and to bask in the knowledge that I had created something truly special with the Mushroom, Ham and Cheese Strata. It was a dish that would forever hold a place in my heart and in the hearts of those who had shared it with me. And for that, I was grateful.