Monte Cristo Strata

Prep 15 min
Total 60 min
Servings 6

This cheesy and indulgent strata is inspired by the flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich: ham, tangy mustard and Gruyere cheese.

By Stephanie Wise

Created September 17, 2014

Ingredients

1

loaf (20 oz) country white bread, crusts removed and thinly sliced
1/4

cup spicy brown mustard
14

oz sliced Black Forest ham
3 1/2

cups shredded Gruyère cheese (14 oz)
3

tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
4

eggs
3

cups milk
2

teaspoons ground pepper

Steps

1

Heat oven to 375°F. Generously grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with shortening or cooking spray.
2

Place layer of bread slices in bottom of baking dish. Brush with 2 tablespoons of the mustard. Top with half of the ham slices, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of the sage. Repeat layers, reserving last 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.
3

In large bowl, beat eggs with whisk, then add milk and ground pepper; beat to combine. Carefully and evenly pour egg mixture over layers in baking dish, making sure bread absorbs most of the liquid. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and 1 tablespoon fresh sage.
4

Cover dish with sheet of greased foil. Let stand 30 minutes before baking.
5

Bake about 35 minutes or until dish is baked through and bubbly. Remove foil, and bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese on top is lightly golden.
6

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

You can prep this dish ahead of time, then cover and let it chill in the fridge overnight before baking.
Pair this richly flavored savory dish with fruit or a sweet wine like Riesling or Gewurztraminer.
You can swap some or all of the Gruyère cheese with sharp white Cheddar, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 730
Calories from Fat: 310

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 35g; 53%
Saturated Fat 17g 85% Trans Fat 1/2g
Cholesterol: 240mg; 81%
Sodium: 1940mg; 81%
Potassium: 600mg; 17%
Total Carbohydrate: 55g; 18%
Dietary Fiber 3g 13% Sugars 13g
Protein: 50g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 20%; 20%
Vitamin C: 0%; 0%
Calcium: 100%; 100%
Iron: 30%; 30%

Exchanges:

3 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 3 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 2 1/2 High-Fat Meat; 2 1/2 Fat;