If you’re hunting for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re going to love this Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe. It’s one of those dishes where every forkful hits that sweet spot of savory, cheesy, and just a little bit veggie-fresh, all baked into a satisfying custardy casserole that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or feeding a bunch of hungry friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: I love that you can prep this strata the night before, so breakfast feels effortless when morning rolls around.
Hearty & Balanced: The combo of ham, cheese, and fresh veggies creates a perfect balance — protein, veggies, and comfort carbs all in one dish.
Family Favorite: My family absolutely goes crazy for it, and it’s become our go-to for brunch gatherings and holiday mornings.
Easy to Customize: You can swap out veggies or meats without losing that cheesy, custardy goodness I know you’ll appreciate.

Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create those layers of flavor and texture I’m always chasing in breakfast casseroles. Plus, they’re all pretty accessible, so you won’t have a hard time rounding them up for your next brunch.

Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe - Ingredients

Bread: I like using a sturdy French bread loaf because it holds up well and soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
Red bell pepper: Adds a nice pop of sweetness and color, which livens the dish up.
Ham or bacon: Cooked and finely chopped for savory, meaty flavor that’s perfect with cheese.
Parmesan cheese: Its sharp, nutty notes make a big difference, enhancing the overall cheesiness.
Eggs: The star that binds it all together with creamy custard goodness.
Whole milk: Adds richness; you can substitute with cream for an even creamier texture if you like.
Dijon mustard: Just a touch – it adds depth and a subtle tang that lifts the flavors.
Green onions: I finely chop these to pepper the strata with fresh, mild onion flavor.
Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: For simple seasoning that amplifies everything else.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to make it your own — maybe you want it spicier, or packed with different veggies. It’s your playground, honestly!

Swap the meat: Sometimes I use crumbled breakfast sausage or turkey instead of ham, and it works beautifully.
Veggie swap: Broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms add a different dimension if you’re looking to sneak in more greens.
Make it vegetarian: Remove the ham, add extra veggies and maybe some smoked cheese, and nobody will miss the meat.
Spicy twist: A dash of cayenne or some diced jalapeños give it a lively kick that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Layer the Bread

First things first: grease your 9×13-inch casserole pan with some butter or oil—this will keep the strata from sticking and give the edges that lovely golden crust. Arrange your cubed bread pieces evenly across the bottom of the pan. The bread soak-up is essential, so try to spread it out without overlapping too much.

Step 2: Add the Ham, Veggies, and Cheese

Now sprinkle the red bell peppers, chopped ham, and shredded Parmesan cheese all over the bread layer. This layers in flavor, texture, and color. I like to make sure everything’s spread evenly so each bite surprises you pleasantly.

Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and green onions. This custard is what binds the strata and gives it that creamy, luscious texture. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and toppings, then gently press down with a spatula so all the bread absorbs the custard. This step makes all the difference in getting that perfect custardy bite.

Step 4: Let It Rest, Then Bake

Cover your pan with cling wrap and let it sit for at least 20 minutes so the bread soaks up all those beautiful flavors. If you’re like me and prefer prepping ahead, you can cover it and refrigerate overnight — honestly, it’s even better the next day! When you’re ready, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the strata for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: I discovered this trick when I used fresh bread once and the strata got a bit too soggy — day-old bread holds the custard better and adds texture.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the strata soak before baking seals in moisture and flavor, so it’s worth the wait!
Even Layering Matters: Make sure to spread your fillings evenly so every bite has a balanced taste of ham, veggies, and cheese.
Watch the Bake Time: Baking too long can dry the strata out, so check it near the 55-minute mark and keep an eye on the edges for perfect browning.

How to Serve Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh green onions or a touch of fresh parsley on top right after it comes out of the oven — it brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this strata with fresh fruit salad or even some roasted potatoes for a perfectly balanced brunch spread. I’ve also served it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages when I’m feeding a big group — it’s always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake the strata in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own cheesy, personalized portion — it looks fancy but is just as simple! Or, try layering it in a glass baking dish so the colorful layers are visible through the sides; guests love seeing all those veggies and ham nestled inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I have go straight into an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to five days. I always make sure they’re cooled completely before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

I froze some of this strata once by slicing individual portions first, wrapping them tightly in foil, and placing them in freezer bags. It froze beautifully for up to three months, and when I thawed them in the fridge overnight, they tasted almost as fresh as when first baked.

Reheating

To reheat the leftovers, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 10–20 minutes until warmed through and the edges get crispy again. If I’m in a hurry, the air fryer at 350°F for 5–10 minutes does a fantastic job too. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ham and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to keep the dish flavorful and hearty without the meat.
What kind of bread works best for this breakfast strata?

Day-old French bread is ideal because it holds up well to the custard soaking without turning mushy, but you can also use other plain breads like sourdough or Italian bread.
Can I prepare this strata the night before?

Yes! Making it a night ahead actually helps the flavors meld and gives the bread plenty of time to soak, making the baked result even more delicious.
How do I know when the strata is done baking?

It’s done when the edges turn golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean without any wet custard.
Can I freeze leftovers of this strata?

Yes, slice it into portions, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It keeps up to 3 months and reheats well after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Breakfast Strata with Ham and Vegetables Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen and my heart. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch with friends, it delivers that perfect cheesy, savory comfort every time. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to prepare and how delicious it tastes straight from the oven (or leftover the next day!). I promise, once you make it, this strata will be your new favorite breakfast go-to.