Ham, Spinach, and Cheese Strata

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 (9 ounce) box frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
• 2 medium red bell peppers, cut into strips
• 1 cup leek, sliced
• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
• 7 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups Italian cheese blend, shredded

Directions

1. 1

   Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add spinach, bell peppers and leeks; cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender. Remove from heat.

2. 2

   In baking dish, layer the ham, the spinach mixture, 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese and the bread. In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, mustard and pepper with wire whisk until blended and pour over bread. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar cheese and the Italian cheese blend. Cover with foil; refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours (overnight is great).

3. 3

   Heat oven to 325°F Bake loosely covered 40 minutes. Uncover; bake about 30 minutes longer or until top is golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean.