December 6, 2014

Monte Cristo Strata

Blogger Stephanie Wise of Girl versus Dough shares a recipe for a cheesy and indulgent strata inspired by the flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich.
332
Pinterest
  (0) 0 Reviews
Monte Cristo Strata
betty's guide to christmas
  • Prep Time 15 min
  •  
  • Total Time 60 min
  •  
  • Servings 6

Ingredients

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

Directions

  • 1Heat oven to 375°F. Generously grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with shortening or cooking spray.
  • 2Place 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.
  • 3In 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.
  • 4Cover dish with sheet of greased foil. Let stand 30 minutes before baking.
  • 5Bake 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.
  • 6Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

    Expert Tips

    You can prep this dish ahead of time, then cover and let it chill in the fridge overnight before baking.
    Pair this richly flavored savory dish with fruit or a sweet wine like Riesling or Gewurztraminer.
    You can swap some or all of the Gruyère cheese with sharp white Cheddar, if desired.
    http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/monte-cristo-strata/4d8d162b-40a3-4c3b-82df-4c704c1e95cc?nicam2=Email&nichn2=Core&niseg2=BCD&nicreatID2=BCD_12_06_2014&utm_source=Email_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BCD_12_06_2014