Recipe For Cooking Monte Cristo Strata

Toaster Oven Casseroles :: Pork Casseroles

Monte Cristo Strata

2 Tbsp. (1/4 stick) butter
12 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
18 to 20 slices quality white sandwich bread, crusts trimmed
10 oz. ham, cut into 1/2-in. pieces
10 lrg. eggs
3 C. (packed) grated Gruyere cheese (12 oz.)
3 1/2 C. milk (do not use low-fat or non-fat)
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme or 2 tea. dried thyme
2 tea. dry mustard
3/4 tea. salt
1/2 tea. pepper

Melt butter in heavy med. skillet over med.-high heat.

Add mushrooms and sauté until golden, about 10 min. Season with salt and pepper.

Generously butter a 13 x 9  x 2-in. glass baking dish. Line bottom with half of bread slices, cutting to fit. Top with ham, then 2 C. of cheese. Top with mushrooms. Add enough remaining bread in single layer to cover.

Whisk eggs, milk, 1 Tbsp. thyme, dry mustard, salt and pepper in lrg. bowl to blend. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator and let sit 30 min. while preheating oven to 350 degrees F.

Uncover baking dish. Bake until puffed and golden, about one hr..

Mix remaining C. of cheese and 1 Tbsp. thyme; sprinkle on top. Bake until cheese melts, about 3 min.

Let sit for 10 min. before serving.

Serves 8 to 10.

Leftovers are equally as good re-warmed the next day in the microwave.