The aroma of breakfast cooking on Christmas morning is sure to rouse family members from their beds, especially if it’s this traditional Christmas Strata you prepared the night before.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the torn bread in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the mushrooms and green bell pepper evenly over the bread layer. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Top with remaining bread pieces, then layer with the onion and ham.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Whisk together eggs and milk; pour over the entire pan. Cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake covered for 35 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until top is evenly brown.

CHRISTMAS STRATA

INGREDIENTS
9 slices bread, torn into
bite size pieces
1/2 cup diced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped green
bell pepper
16 ounces Cheddar
cheese, shredded
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups cubed cooked ham
8 eggs
2 cups milk