Ham, Cheese & Asparagus Strata
ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
2 large cloves garlic, grated or minced
1 (7 ounce) package ham — about 1 ½ cups, diced
1 pound Farm Direct Supply asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large loaf of crusty bread, such as Italian or sourdough, cubed*
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
instructions:
Step 1.
Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by buttering or spraying with non-stick spray. Set aside.
Step 2.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened and fragrant. Add garlic, diced ham and asparagus pieces and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sea salt and pepper until well-combined. Set aside.
Step 4.
Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the bread cubes with about half of the asparagus and ham mixture. Sprinkle with one cup of grated cheddar cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining bread cubes, vegetable mixture and cheese.
Step 5.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the layers, making sure to get into the corners and edges as well as the middle. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. Cool for about 15 minutes before cutting.
Step 7.
*Slightly stale bread is best for this recipe. Cube the bread a day ahead and place it on a large baking pan to dry out slightly.
