Monte Cristo Strata

This cheesy and indulgent strata is inspired by the flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich: ham, tangy mustard and Gruyere cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1loaf (20 oz) country white bread, crusts removed and thinly sliced
  • 1/4cup spicy brown mustard
  • 14oz sliced Black Forest ham
  • 3 1/2cups shredded Gruyère cheese (14 oz)
  • 3tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
  • 4eggs
  • 3cups milk
  • 2teaspoons ground pepper

Steps

1 Heat oven to 375°F. Generously grease bottom and sides of 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with shortening or cooking spray.

2 Place layer of bread slices in bottom of baking dish. Brush with 2 tablespoons of the mustard. Top with half of the ham slices, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of the sage. Repeat layers, reserving last 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.

3 In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk, then add milk and ground pepper; beat to combine. Carefully and evenly pour egg mixture over layers in baking dish, making sure bread absorbs most of the liquid. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and 1 tablespoon fresh sage.

4 Cover dish with sheet of greased foil. Let stand 30 minutes before baking.

5 Bake about 35 minutes or until dish is baked through and bubbly. Remove foil, and bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese on top is lightly golden.

6 Let stand 10 minutes before serving.