A strata is a type of puffed-up egg casserole made with bread. It’s great because you can prepare ahead plus almost any ingredient goes—such as crumbled bacon or shrimp and sauteed mushrooms or leeks or onions.
Also, you can use almost any kind of bread that you have on hand, including raisin or a mixture of white and whole wheat or rye. To feed a crowd, double this recipe and prepare it in a large baking dish.
Cut the bread into cubes. Generously grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Make a layer with half the bread cubes, arranging them so they cover the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the ham, cheese, shallots, and basil (or parsley) over the bread. Cover with the remaining bread cubes. Beat the eggs and milk together in a large bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Slowly pour the mixture over the top bread layer, saturating it evenly.
Cover and refrigerate overnight; the bread will soak up the liquid as the mixture stands.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Uncover the strata and bake for 1 hour, or until puffed and lightly browned.
Source: This recipe compliments of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Everyday Cookbook.
