Ham and Asparagus Strata

Recipe courtesy of the American Egg Board.

Recipe Ingredients:

Non-stick cooking spray
12 to 16 (1/2-inch thick) slices French bread
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked lean ham, chopped
8 ounces asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 large eggs
1 cup low-fat milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Directions:

1. Evenly coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the bread slices on bottom of dish.
2. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese, 1/2 cup of the ham and 1 cup of the asparagus pieces. Cover with the remaining bread slices, laying them flat or in a shingled pattern. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, ham and asparagus spears.
3. In medium bowl, beat together eggs, milk, lemon juice and garlic powder. Pour evenly over layers. Cover with plastic wrap.
4. 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 160°F (71.1°C) and/or knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Makes 6 servings.

Conventional Oven Method: Prepare strata as above. Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until thermometer inserted near center reads 160°F (71.1°C) and/or knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the American Egg Board.