Name: Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 large eggs; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 loaf crusty French or Italian bread cubed (about 12 cups); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese; 8 ounces diced cooked ham; 1 small yellow onion finely diced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika (optional); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted plus more for greasing the dish; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley plus extra for garnish

Golden, puffy, and impossibly cozy, this Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata is what lazy weekend mornings dream of. Think buttery toasted bread cubes soaked in a rich egg custard, loaded with melty cheese and bites of savory ham, all baked into one bubbly casserole you slice into like a breakfast lasagna.

It’s the kind of make-ahead breakfast that quietly chills in the fridge overnight while you sleep, then bakes up into something spectacular with almost no effort in the morning. Whether you’re feeding a house full of holiday guests or just want a no-stress brunch that feels special, this egg and cheese strata is pure comfort on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

This strata checks every breakfast box: it’s hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, but it also keeps things wonderfully simple. You don’t need any fancy techniques—just whisk, pour, and bake.

You can assemble everything the night before so the bread has time to soak up the custard. In the morning, you pop it in the oven and focus on coffee, pajamas, and maybe a little fruit salad. It’s also incredibly forgiving: swap the meat, change the cheese, or toss in whatever veggies are hiding in the crisper.

What Kind Of Bread Works Best For Egg And Cheese Strata?

Sturdy bread is the secret to a strata that’s fluffy on top but custardy in the middle without turning soggy. I love using a day-old French loaf or Italian bread because it’s slightly dry and has enough structure to hold all that egg mixture.

If you only have fresh bread, simply cube it and toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out. You can also use sourdough, brioche, or even leftover burger buns in a pinch—just avoid super soft sandwich bread, which collapses under the custard and won’t give you those beautiful, golden edges.

Ingredients for the Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

Before we get into measuring and mixing, let’s talk about why each ingredient earns its place in this cozy breakfast bake. Understanding the role of every component helps you tweak the recipe with confidence.

Crusty French or Italian bread – Cubed, slightly stale bread acts like a sponge for the egg mixture, giving you that soft, custardy center and crispy, browned top.
Large eggs – The star of the show. Eggs create the custard that binds everything together and gives the strata its rich, soufflé-like texture.
Whole milk – Adds moisture and creaminess without making the dish too heavy, helping the eggs stay tender instead of rubbery.
Heavy cream – A little cream makes the custard luxuriously silky and adds that special-occasion richness.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey pockets of sharp, tangy flavor throughout the strata.
Shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese – Brings a nutty, slightly sweet depth that balances the cheddar and makes every bite more complex.
Diced cooked ham – Adds savory, salty bites of protein that turn this into a full meal rather than just cheesy bread.
Yellow onion – Sautéed onion builds a subtle sweetness and savory base flavor.
Garlic – Just a clove or two wakes everything up with gentle garlicky warmth.
Dijon mustard – Whisked into the custard, it adds brightness and a little tang that keeps the richness from feeling too heavy.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the eggs and bringing out all the cheesy, savory flavors.
Fresh thyme or parsley – A sprinkle of herbs adds freshness and a pop of color on top.
Butter – Used to grease the baking dish and drizzle over the bread for extra flavor and golden, crisp edges.

How To Make the Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

This strata comes together in easy stages: toast the bread, build the layers, pour on the custard, chill, then bake until puffed and golden.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Bread

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter so nothing sticks and the edges get nicely browned. Cube your crusty bread into bite-sized pieces. If it’s not already dry, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, just until they feel lightly crisp and dry but not hard.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Ham

In a skillet over medium heat, melt a bit of butter and sauté the diced onion until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced ham and warm it through so it picks up some of that buttery flavor. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Build the Bread and Cheese Layers

Spread the toasted bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the warm ham and onion mixture over the top, nudging it down between some of the bread cubes so every scoop gets a little bit of everything. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses evenly over the bread and ham.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until completely blended. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh thyme or parsley. Whisk again so the seasoning is evenly distributed and there are no streaks of egg white.

Step 5: Soak the Strata

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure to cover every corner of the pan. Gently press the bread cubes down with the back of a spoon so they’re all moistened. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight, to let the bread soak up the custard.

Step 6: Bake Until Puffy and Golden

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Take the strata out of the fridge while the oven heats. Remove the cover and, if you like, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden, the edges are bubbling, and the center is set and no longer wobbly when you jiggle the pan.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the strata rest for about 10 minutes so it can settle and slice cleanly. Sprinkle with extra herbs, then cut into squares and serve warm. The top will be crisp, the inside soft and custardy, and every bite packed with egg, cheese, and ham.

Serving and Storing Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd—it comfortably serves about 8 people as a main dish, or up to 10 if you’re serving a bigger brunch spread with lots of sides. Cut the strata into generous squares and serve straight from the baking dish for that cozy, family-style feel.

Leftovers keep really well, which makes this a great option for meal prep breakfasts during the week. Let the strata cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in a 325°F oven for about 10–15 minutes if you want to revive the crisp top.

You can also freeze baked strata. Wrap cooled squares tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or stash them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until hot in the center.

What to Serve With Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata

Fresh Fruit Salad

A bright fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus balances the richness of the strata and adds a refreshing, juicy contrast.

Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Roasted or skillet-crisped potatoes seasoned with paprika and garlic make this meal feel like a full diner-style breakfast.

Simple Green Salad

A lightly dressed green salad with baby spinach or mixed greens adds a fresh, peppery bite alongside the creamy eggs and cheese.

Bacon or Breakfast Sausage

If you’re feeding serious meat lovers, add extra protein on the side with crispy bacon or browned breakfast sausage links.

Fluffy Pancakes

Serve a short stack of pancakes with maple syrup for anyone who likes a little sweet with their savory brunch.

Roasted Tomatoes

Slow-roasted cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs bring a juicy, slightly tangy side that pairs beautifully with cheesy eggs.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a lighter option that still feels special and brunch-worthy.

Want More Breakfast Casserole Ideas?

If this Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata becomes a weekend favorite, there are plenty of other cozy brunch bakes to try next:

Try a chocolatey twist with my Nutella French Toast Casserole when you’re craving something extra indulgent.
For another hearty make-ahead option, bake up a Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole loaded with potatoes and cheese.
Planning a holiday brunch? My Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing classic.
When you want something a little fancier, go for the silky, custardy goodness of Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Homemade Egg And Cheese Strata to your favorite Pinterest breakfast or brunch board so you can find it quickly the next time you’re hosting—or just craving a cozy weekend bake.

When you make it, I’d love to hear how you put your own spin on it. Did you use bacon instead of ham? Add veggies like spinach or roasted peppers? Maybe swapped in your favorite cheese blend?

Share your tweaks and questions in the comments so we can all swap ideas and make our breakfast game even better.

And if you’re hungry for more inspiration, come hang out on my Nora Nosh Pinterest recipes board where I share new casseroles, sweet treats, and easy everyday meals all week long.