You know what they say, breakfast is the healthiest meal of the day! Save time in the morning, and start your week with this french inspired breakfast dish with asparagus.

 

Ingredients

• 12 to 16 1/2-inch thick slices French or Italian bread (about 4 ounces)
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, divided
• 1 cup (4 ounces) chopped cooked lean ham, divided
• 8 ounces fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup fat-free or low-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350oF. Evenly coat an 8-inch square baking dish with vegetable cooking spray. Layer half of the bread slices on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup of cheese, ½ cup of ham and 1 cup of asparagus. Cover with remaining bread slices, laying them flat or in a shingled pattern. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, ham and asparagus.  
2. In a medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, lemon juice and garlic powder. Pour evenly over layers. 
3. Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake at 350oF until thermometer reaches 160oF and knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes.

 

Serves 6

 

Note: To cook in microwave complete recipe through step 2. Cover strata with plastic wrap. Microwave on full power 5 minutes. Rotate dish 1/4 turn. Microwave on 50% power, rotating dish 1/4 turn each 3 to 5 minutes, until thermometer inserted near center reads 160oF and knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 10 to 12 minutes. 

 

 

*The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. 

 

Original source: American Egg Board at http://www.aeb.org/recipes/think_fast_think_eggs/ham_and_asparagus_strata.htm