Ham and Cheese Strata

Preheat oven to 350°F.

If desired, cut bread into cubes at least 1 to 2 days before baking strata. Spread out on a sheet tray, uncovered, and allow to dry out. Alternatively, place bread cubes on sheet tray the day of baking and dry out in preheated oven for approximately 10–12 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Warm a 10-inch cast iron pan or nonstick pan over medium heat. Melt butter. Add leeks. Season with salt. Allow to cook without developing color, adjusting heat as needed, for 5–8 minutes or until softened and translucent. Remove from pan.

In a large bowl, whisk milk, eggs, mustard, salt and pepper.

Place half the bread on the bottom of the pan used to cook the leeks. Layer on half of the leeks, followed by half of the ham and cheese. Repeat layers with remaining bread, leeks and ham. Pour over egg mixture. Push down bread to completely saturate with egg mixture. Top with remaining cheese.

Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 60–80 minutes or until knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with chives, slice and serve.