Ham Strata with Asparagus & Gruyère

This springy strata is studded with salty ham, grassy asparagus, and chewy baguette. Shredded Gruyère is nutty and earthy, and melts down to go gooey.

What You Get

Asparagus

Red spring onions 

Par-baked baguettes 

Cubed ham 

Eggs 

Cream 

Shredded Gruyère cheese 

What You’ll Need

Olive oil

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Whole-grain or Dijon mustard

Makes 4 servings

Active Time: 20 minutes  

Total Time: 45 minutes  

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus, and cut the asparagus into bite-size pieces. Trim and chop the red spring onions. Tear or dice about 4 cups of the baguettes into bite-size pieces, reserving the rest for another use.

Step 2

In a large cast-iron skillet (about 12 inches) or ovenproof pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the spring onions and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the asparagus and ham, and sauté until the asparagus is barely tender and the ham is warmed through, 3 minutes. Fold in the bread, season with salt and pepper, and cook to warm through, 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat.

Step 3

Meanwhile, crack 6 eggs into a large bowl and whisk to combine. Stir in 1 cup cream, 1 cup Gruyère, 2 tablespoons mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and a generous grind of pepper. 

Step 4

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, nudging to evenly distribute and combine with the ham, asparagus, and bread. Sprinkle the top of the strata with ¼ cup Gruyère. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until lightly puffed, golden, and just set at the center, 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the pan. Let rest for a few minutes. 

Step 5

Spoon generous mounds of the strata onto plates, grind with pepper, and serve warm.