Delicious Make-Ahead Ham and Asparagus Strata: The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole for Any Occasion
Discover the perfect blend of convenience and gourmet flair with this incredible Ham and Asparagus Strata. This hearty breakfast casserole transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal, ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch. With layers of soft English muffins, savory ham, crisp asparagus, and a generous blend of cheeses, all drenched in a rich egg and Hollandaise mixture, it’s a dish that truly shines. It’s an elegant yet easy solution for busy mornings or special gatherings, allowing you to prepare most of the work the night before and simply bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Beyond its delicious taste, this strata is also an excellent way to utilize any leftover ham you might have, especially after holidays like Christmas or Easter. Instead of letting that delicious ham go to waste, transform it into a spectacular breakfast that everyone will rave about. Its versatility makes it suitable for any time of the year, bringing comfort and flavor to your table.
Life often throws curveballs, and sometimes those days can leave you feeling completely drained. I recently experienced one of those “humdinger” days, which unfortunately delayed the sharing of this wonderful recipe. My car decided to give up on me, leading to unexpected stress. Then, to make matters worse, I was robbed, losing a significant amount of money intended for Christmas shopping. The universe seemed to conspire against me, even adding a torrential downpour to cap off the chaos, leaving me reliant on a kind coworker for a ride home.
- My car broke down unexpectedly, adding significant stress to my day.
- I was truly robbed; someone cleaned out my wallet, which contained a hefty sum set aside for Christmas shopping.
- To top it all off, a coworker had to take me home because it was raining heavily, and I was without my car.
In moments like these, it’s easy to succumb to negativity, but I’ve found it’s crucial to acknowledge the struggle and then actively seek the good. Here’s what I want you to remember when you’re having a really bad day:
- It’s absolutely okay to say, “Alright, I’m taking a mental health break.” And then, crucially, follow through with it! I spent the next few days with my family, making Christmas candy, consciously not obsessing over my endless to-do lists, and just allowing myself to be fully present in the moment with them. This break wasn’t just a pause; it was a reset, a vital act of self-care.
- When something rotten happens, you have a choice: you can focus on the bad stuff, or you can intentionally shift your focus to the good. After people heard what happened to me, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of individuals who offered their assistance. People wanted to make sure my kids would still have their Christmas. People wanted to ensure I could get where I needed to go. These were people who genuinely care about me and my family. What was it Mr. Rogers famously said? “When something bad happens, look for the helpers.” I am incredibly thankful for all the helpers who stepped up for me last week, reminding me of the profound kindness that exists in the world.
I’ve been wanting to share this strata recipe on the blog for ages, and then recently, fresh asparagus was on a fantastic sale, and I simply couldn’t resist! Asparagus holds a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite vegetable. However, sometimes fresh produce can be a bit ‘sad’ if not perfectly in season or handled optimally. The asparagus I picked up was a little less vibrant than I’d hoped, and perhaps I should have just opted for frozen. So, if you run into the same problem, don’t hesitate to just buy the frozen stuff. Frozen asparagus is often picked and flash-frozen at its peak freshness, making it an excellent, convenient alternative. A bonus of using frozen? You can completely forgo the blanching step! Just thaw and chop, saving you precious time and effort.
My kids absolutely adore this easy make-ahead breakfast casserole, primarily because it features two of their favorite ingredients: fresh asparagus and savory ham. And I love it for all the reasons you might imagine – it’s an easy make-ahead recipe that my kids eagerly devour, and it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover ham from a previous meal. What more could a busy parent ask for? This ham and asparagus strata is a brilliant dish to prepare when you’re expecting a crowd, as it’s incredibly simple to whip up and then just tuck into the fridge. This makes it absolutely perfect if you have overnight guests and want to wake up to a delicious, stress-free breakfast. Furthermore, with its incredibly versatile ingredients, it can seamlessly transition from a hearty breakfast to a delightful brunch, a satisfying lunch, or even a light dinner. It’s the ultimate chameleon of comfort food!
Customizing Your Strata: Endless Possibilities!
One of the best features of this ham and asparagus strata is its incredible adaptability. While the classic combination of ham, asparagus, and Swiss cheese is undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative and customize it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s a truly forgiving recipe that encourages culinary exploration.
- Not a fan of asparagus? No problem! Broccoli florets or colorful bell peppers (sautéed slightly beforehand) make fantastic substitutes, adding their own unique flavors and textures to the casserole. You could also try spinach or mushrooms for different profiles.
- Hate Swiss cheese? Don’t despair! This strata is easily modified to suit your cheesy desires. Swap it out for cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. A blend of cheeses can also create a wonderfully complex flavor.
- Is Hollandaise too “out there” for your kids (or your taste buds)? For a simpler, equally delicious topping, consider drizzling a rich, homemade cheese sauce over the strata before serving. Alternatively, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can brighten up the dish beautifully. The goal is enjoyment, so make it your own!
This strata is so easy to modify, making it a staple in your recipe rotation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or even types of bread (though English muffins provide that delightful texture). The base egg mixture is robust enough to handle various additions, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Ham and Asparagus Strata
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Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped asparagus
- 8 English muffins (cubed)
- 2 cups ham (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 2 packages Hollandaise sauce mix
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup half and half (or milk)
Instructions
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If using fresh asparagus, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus and bring back to a boil. Then immediately drain. This quick blanching ensures the asparagus retains its vibrant color and a slight crispness. If using frozen asparagus, simply thaw it completely and chop it into appropriate sizes; no blanching is needed.
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Prepare a 13×9 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it. Begin layering your ingredients: evenly distribute half of the cubed English muffins across the bottom of the pan. Follow with half of the chopped ham, half of the blanched (or thawed) asparagus, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, ensuring a good distribution for every bite.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the large eggs until well beaten. Add one package of the Hollandaise sauce mix, the half and half (or milk for a lighter option), salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined. Carefully pour this egg mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish, ensuring all the English muffins are well saturated. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate. For best results, allow it to soak overnight, which lets the flavors meld beautifully and the English muffins absorb the liquid, but at least 8 hours will suffice.
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When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the casserole pan directly into the preheated oven, still covered with the aluminum foil. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the edges are beautifully golden brown. For the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top to brown nicely and become slightly crispy.
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While the strata is baking or just before serving, prepare the second package of Hollandaise sauce as directed on its package. Once the strata is out of the oven, drizzle the warm Hollandaise sauce generously over individual servings or over the entire casserole before bringing it to the table. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday brunch, preparing a special breakfast for overnight guests, or simply looking for a delicious and convenient meal to simplify your week, this Ham and Asparagus Strata is an absolute winner. Its ease of preparation, combined with its impressive flavor and elegant presentation, makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. The make-ahead aspect is truly a game-changer, allowing you to enjoy your mornings without the rush, and its ability to adapt to various tastes and dietary preferences ensures everyone at the table will find something to love. Enjoy this delightful casserole, a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly memorable meals!
