WHEN AND HOW THE STRATA EVOLVED AS A CONCEPT in Southern cooking remains something of a mystery,
but it’s for sure that the layered casserole in all its many variations is loved in homes from West Virginia to Georgia. Virtually any layered ingredients can be baked with different liquids to produce a strata, and probably the most classic (and popular) example is this spicy one prepared with bread cubes, ham, cheese, and mushrooms. Country ham might be substituted for regular baked ham, and herbs and other seasonings could also be added, but remember that if the primary ingredients are not arranged in alternate layers, the dish is not a genuine strata but an ordinary casserole. In the South, a strata is traditionally served on an informal dinner buffet or at a casual supper.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups day-old bread cubes
• 3 cups cubed cooked ham
• 3 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (about 6 ounces) chopped mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups milk
• Tabasco sauce to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a greased 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish, arrange the bread cubes, ham, cheese, and mushrooms in alternate layers, beginning and ending with the bread cubes.
2. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
3. In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and dry mustard together, then sprinkle the mixture over the top of the ingredients in the baking dish.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Tabasco sauce until well blended.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the strata in the baking dish.
6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
8. Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it stand for about 20 minutes.
9. Bake the strata in the preheated oven until golden, about 1 hour.
10. Serve hot.