Strata: A Savory Custard Recipe

Name: Strata: A Savory Custard
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: About 1/2 cup stale bread, torn in small pieces, any tough crusts removed; 1/4 cup milk; A slice of ham, enough to fill the bottom of the dish (leftover baked ham is particularly good here; see page 60); A little soft butter; 3 spears cooked asparagus; Salt; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup mixture of milk and cream or half-and-half; Freshly ground pepper; A couple of fresh sage leaves or fresh basil torn (optional); About 1 generous tablespoon grated cheese, Parmesan or aged Cheddar or Swiss

Servings: persons

About 1/2 cup stale bread, torn in small pieces, any tough crusts removed
1/4 cup milk
A slice of ham, enough to fill the bottom of the dish (leftover baked ham is particularly good here; see page 60)
A little soft butter
3 spears cooked asparagus
Salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup mixture of milk and cream or half-and-half
Freshly ground pepper
A couple of fresh sage leaves or fresh basil torn (optional)
About 1 generous tablespoon grated cheese, Parmesan or aged Cheddar or Swiss

1
Put the bread in a bowl with the milk to soak for about 5 minutes, and then squeeze it through your fingers to dissolve the crumbs in the milk.
2
Meanwhile, place the ham on the bottom of a single-portion buttered baking dish and lay the asparagus spears, cut in half, over the ham.
3
Salt lightly.
4
Beat the egg with the milk-cream mixture, add a little salt and freshly ground pepper, and pour that over the asparagus.
5
Arrange optional sage leaves on top and sprinkle on the grated cheese.
6
Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 25 minutes.
7
Let settle for a few minutes out of the oven before you dive in.
8
You can use any number of cooked vegetables as a base here, whatever you may have lurking in the refrigeratorsome broccoli (or broccolini) florets, rated zucchini, artichoke hearts, or braised fennel.
9
If you use a leafy vegetable like spinach or chard, squeeze out all the water first.

111

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: About 1/2 cup stale bread, torn in small pieces, any tough crusts removed, 1/4 cup milk, A slice of ham, enough to fill the bottom of the dish (leftover baked ham is particularly good here; see page 60), A little soft butter, and more.

Yes, Strata: A Savory Custard falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Strata: A Savory Custard

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions