Monte Cristo Strata

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

The photo and recipe source is Betty Crocker.




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

Directions: 

Heat oven to 375°F. 

Generously grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.

Layer bread slices in bottom of baking dish. 

Brush with 2 tablespoons of the mustard. 

Top with half of the ham slices.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of sage. 

Repeat layers, reserving last 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.

Beat eggs in a large bowl, add milk and ground pepper; beat to combine. 

Carefully 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.

Cover dish with sheet of greased foil. 

Let stand 30 minutes before baking.

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.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.



Source: Betty Crocker