Monte Cristo Strata

Ingredients

• nonstick cooking spray (like Pam)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (you can use 2% also)
• 5-6 dashes hot pepper sauce (I like "Louisiana" hot sauce, but you use your favorite)
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard ("Colman's Original English Mustard" is my favorite)
• 1 loaf sliced white bread, torn into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 pound and, please, use a good-quality)
• 8 ounces deli-style sliced turkey breast, cut into matchstick-sized pieces
• 8 ounces deli-style sliced ham, cut into matchsticks
• 3 cups shredded swiss cheese (about 12 ounces)

Directions

1. 1

   Spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with the non-stick cooking spray.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, hot sauce, and dry mustard until well blended.

3. 3

   Arrange as much of the bread pieces as you can in a single layer in the prepared pan. Top, in layers, with the turkey, ham, and 1/2 of the cheese. Top with the remaining bread pieces, and pour on the egg mixture, tilting the pan to make sure all the bread is coated. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

4. 4

   The next day, when you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, take the strata out of the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature until the oven is ready. Bake until puffed and golden, about 45 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into squares.