Broccoli Ham and Cheddar Strata

Family-favourites broccoli (fresh or frozen!) and Canadian Cheddar cheese are the stars of this easy strata. Prepare it in the evening or in the morning, then tuck it into the refrigerator ready to bake when you get home at the end of the day. It's delicious for a weekend brunch, too!

By Dairy Farmers of Canada
Prep time 10 minutes
Total time 40 minutes
Portion size 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
4 cups (1 l) bite-size broccoli florets (about 10 oz/280 g)
4 eggs [220 g]
2 cups (500 ml) milk
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard or honey mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) dried basil
1/4 tsp (1 ml) pepper
12 oz (336 g) whole wheat baguette, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces (5 cups/ 1.25 L)
3 oz (84 g) deli Black Forest ham, chopped (about 3/4 cup/175 mL)
1 cup (112 g) shredded Canadian old Cheddar cheese, divided

Preparation
Butter a 13 x 9-inch (3 L) glass baking dish.

In a pot of boiling water, cook broccoli for 3 min or until bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well and pat dry.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs until blended; whisk in milk, mustard, basil and pepper. Add broccoli, bread, ham and half of the cheese and toss gently to combine. Spread in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hrs or for up to 1 day.

To serve, preheat oven to 350F (180C).

Uncover baking dish and bake for about 30 min or until puffed and a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let stand for 5 min.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Additional information : You can substitute frozen broccoli for the fresh and skip step 2. Defrost broccoli, drain well and pat dry before adding to bowl in step 3.

Variations: Substitute 2 oz (60 g) chopped pancetta or smoked salmon or 4 oz (112 g) cured chorizo sausage for the ham and add 1 tsp (5 mL) chipotle hot pepper sauce or 1/2 tsp (2 mL) chipotle pepper powder to the milk mixture. Use Canadian smoked Gouda cheese in place of the Cheddar.
  
Nutritional Information Per serving:
Energy: Calories 356 Protein 24g Carbohydrate 34g Fat 14g
Fibre 6g Sodium 735mg   
Nutrient % DV*
Calcium 353 mg 32% Selenium 92% Vitamin C 75% Vitamin B12 52% 
Folate 40%

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