Savory Ham & Veggie Strata

This is the perfect snowy day dinner.  It's like bread pudding with meat and veggies.  It's delicious, comforting and filling.  Perfect for a cold winter night dinner.  

4 - 5 cups bread, cubed (day-old is perfect)

1 1/2 cups diced ham

1 cup carrots, diced small

1 cup green beans, cut small

1 cup celery, diced

6 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk or half and half

2 Tbsp butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup shredded cheese, your choice

Pinch of thyme

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a 9 x 13" baking dish.

Melt butter in a skillet.  Sauté carrots and celery 4 - 5 minutes until just softened.  Add green beans and cook 1 - 2 minutes more.  Remove from heat.

Spread 1/3 of the bread cubes in the baking dish.  Top with half the ham and veggies and sprinkle with half of the cheese.  Repeat layers, finishing with bread on top.

Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper and thyme.  Slowly pour evenly over the dish.  Press bread gently so it absorbs.  

Cover loosely with foil.  Let sit for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Bake for 25 minutes leaving foil in place.  Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center.  

Rest 5 - 10 minutes, then slice and serve.  

Healthy, comforting, and delicious . . . all in one dish.