Brunch Ideas- Strata Recipe

Easter is approaching and what better way to celebrate Easter, than a big family brunch. Whether you are organizing a big Easter brunch or just having some friends over, this is a delicious brunch idea that I just had to share with you. It is really delicious and easy to make. Not only is it easy, but the great thing is that you can prepare it ahead of time before your guests are coming. You can prepare it the day before, the morning of, even hours or minutes before they start arriving. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Tomato, Oregano and Brie Strata

12 slices of challah or egg bread
6 slices of ham
4-5 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp dried oregano
3 plum tomatoes thinly sliced
1/4 tsp each of salt & pepper
8 oz Brie cheese, thinly sliced & rind removed
2 cups milk
4 eggs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. (350 F if convection)

1. Trim crusts from bread.
2. Mix together mustard & half of oregano. Spread on 6 bread slices. Top with about 1 slice of ham & 4 slices of tomato each. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
3. Divide cheese evenly among bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices. Cut diagonally into quarters to make triangles. If I am feeding a gang, I only divide into halves and that way I have room in my baking dish to almost double the recipe. If you make the recipe as is and want to cut triangles in halves (easier to handle), then use a smaller baking dish (8x8).
4. Arrange triangles, longest side down, overlapping in rows in bottom of lightly greased 13x9 baking dish. Strata can be well wrapped with plastic wrap & refrigerated for 12 hours.

Whisk together milk & eggs until well blended; pour evenly over triangles. Sprinkle with remaining oregano & Parmesan. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden & puffed. Let stand for a few minutes. 

Bon Appetit! Don't forget the drinks. Mimosas sound great. Have a wonderful Sunday!