A cozy, satisfying breakfast that checks all the boxes—savory, cheesy, and make-ahead friendly. This Ham and Cheddar Sourdough Strata Bake is everything you want in a brunch casserole: hearty, flavorful, and easy to prep.
Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Bake
Strata is essentially a savory bread pudding made with cubes of crusty bread soaked in an egg and cream mixture, then baked until puffed and golden. This version combines sharp cheddar cheese, smoky chopped ham, scallions, and a hint of garlic for classic breakfast flavor. The everything bagel seasoning sprinkled on top adds crunch and extra flavor in every bite. The best part? You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning.
Ingredients Needed to Make My Ham and Cheddar Sourdough Strata Bake
- 4 cups of sourdough bread or a crusty bread loaf
- 4 tbsp of melted butter
- 1 cup of chopped ham
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of pepper
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 2 tbsp of everything bagel seasoning
Notes for Success
✔️Use day-old or slightly dried bread – It soaks up the egg mixture better and gives the strata more structure.
✔️ Swap the ham – Leftover bacon, sausage, or even cooked veggies like spinach and mushrooms work well too.
✔️ Let it rest after baking – This helps the custard set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
✔️ Make it ahead – Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a no-stress breakfast.
✔️ Check doneness with a knife – Insert into the center; it should come out clean when the eggs are fully cooked.
How to Serve the Ham and Cheddar Sourdough Breakfast Strata Bake
- Pair with a light and refreshing salad like this Spinach Salad or Kale Salad for a balanced brunch plate.
- Serve with a side of Roasted Breakfast Potatoes or a fresh fruit platter for a crowd-pleasing spread.
- Offer something alongside, like these Sour Cream and Scallion Biscuits or Maple Almond Granola to round out your brunch table.
- Leftovers? Reheat slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick weekday breakfast.
This Ham and Cheddar Sourdough Strata is the kind of dish that makes brunch feel special without a lot of extra effort. Whether you’re gathering around the table on a holiday morning or meal prepping for the week, it’s warm, hearty, and filled with comforting flavor.
Ham and Cheddar Sourdough Strata Bake
Ingredients
- 4 cups sourdough bread or any crusty loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 scallions thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp of melted butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed sourdough with the 3 tbsp of melted butter until well coated. Add the bread to the buttered baking dish. Add the chopped ham, shredded cheddar, and scallions on top of the bread.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture until everything is evenly coated. Press gently to create an even layer. Sprinkle the top with everything bagel seasoning.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and slightly crisp. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving and enjoy!
Notes
✔️ Swap the ham – Leftover bacon, sausage, or even cooked veggies like spinach and mushrooms work well too.
✔️ Let it rest after baking – This helps the custard set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
✔️ Make it ahead – Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a no-stress breakfast.
✔️ Check doneness with a knife – Insert into the center; it should come out clean when the eggs are fully cooked.
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