Ham & Cheese Strata: Double the Dinner, Double the Love (and the Earnings!)

Hey Rogue Chefs! Ever feel like you’re cooking a mountain of food just for your family, and half of it ends up in the fridge? What if I told you that extra food could be someone else’s delicious dinner, and a little extra cash in your pocket? We're all about recognizing the value in the work we already do, and this recipe is a *perfect* example.

Samantha from Magnolia is showing us how to make a gorgeous ham and cheese strata, and it’s seriously easier than it looks. Think of it as a savory bread pudding – totally customizable and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s a make-ahead dream! Picture this: another mom across town, needing a hot, comforting meal tonight. You’ve already got it ready to go. That’s the beauty of the CrownRunner system.

The Recipe: Ham & Cheese Strata

Don't worry about precise measurements; this is a forgiving recipe! This is a guideline for a double batch (to feed 8) – you can easily scale it up for bigger families or even more Dinner Angels!

Ingredients:

• 2 loaves (about 32 slices) of enriched bread (Brioche, challah, or even sturdy white bread)
• 1 lb sliced ham (deli ham works great!)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss)
• 1/2 cup apricot jam (optional, but adds a nice sweetness)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (or other herbs like thyme or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter, for greasing

Instructions:

1. Build the Strata: Cut the bread into ¾-inch slices. Butter each slice generously. Spread a little apricot jam (if using) on some slices. Layer ham and cheese between bread slices to make 10 ham and cheese sandwiches. Cut each sandwich in half.
2. Assemble: Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish (or two 8x8 inch dishes). Arrange the sandwich halves in the dish, overlapping slightly.
3. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, chives, salt, and pepper.
4. Soak & Chill: Pour the custard evenly over the bread and ham. Gently press down to ensure the bread is soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the strata is puffed and golden brown.

Extra Goodness (and Extra Earnings!)

Here's where the Rogue Chef magic happens! You've already made a double batch. What do you do with the extra?

• Freezer Meal: Assemble a strata (or individual portions) and freeze it unbaked. To bake from frozen, add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• CrownRunner Delivery: List your extra strata on the marketplace! A busy mom across town is looking for an easy, delicious dinner solution. Charge $20-$50 – it’s literally the work you’ve already done!
• Family Meal Prep: Portion out leftovers for lunches or another quick dinner later in the week.

Seriously, this strata is a winner. It’s comforting, customizable, and perfect for showing your Dinner Angel how much you care. Plus, you get to earn a little something for sharing your amazing cooking skills!

Ready to turn your kitchen into a money-making hub? Start a Marketplace Listing, Follow Chef Nick, Claim Your Chef Profile, or Find a Meal Near You. Let's get cooking!