Breakfast Strata

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Cut twelve 3″ round shapes out of the bread slices. I use my Christmas shaped cutters (stars, trees, snowman) when making this dish for the holidays. Set the cut-out shapes aside. Tear the remaining edge scraps into small bite-sized pieces and press lightly into the bottom of the baking dish.

Melt the butter, saute the diced onions and sliced mushrooms until the onions are translucent. I usually season the onions and mushrooms with a little salt, pepper and garlic powder at this point. Spread this mixture as evenly as possible over the bread scraps.

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese over the bread scraps. Next, arrange a layer of diced ham and a layer of chopped broccoli.

Arrange the bread circles, or other cut-out shapes evenly on the top.

Mix the eggs, half-and-half, milk, and seasonings together in a mixing bowl. Pour evenly over the ingredients in the baking pan. Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 60 to 70 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese over the top and return the casserole to the oven for 5 additional minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Let the casserole stand for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Feel free to add or swap out almost any type of veggies. I sometimes substitute corn, diced tomatoes and diced green chilis for the broccoli and add a bit of chili powder for a Mexican flavor.

Pre-cooked sausage, bacon, crab meat or shrimp can be substituted for the ham.

I have successfully used chopped spinach, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and diced peppers as additions or substitutes.

This is a great dish when you are having overnight guests.