Ham-Asparagus and Cheese Strata

This a simple breakfast! Easy, delicious, and healthy as can be. Try it out and I'll guarantee your family will like it!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 5 cups French bread cubes
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere or white cheddar cheese, (8 oz.)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
• 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
• 10 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boiling. Add asparagus; cook 5 minutes or until bright green. 
2. In a greased 3-quart baking dish spread half the bread cubes. Top with cheese, onion, chives and half the ham and asparagus. Top with remaining bread. 
3. In a bowl whisk together four of the eggs and the milk.
4. Evenly pour over layers in dish. Press down bread pieces into the egg milk mixture with the back of a spoon. Top with remaining ham and asparagus. Cover; refrigerate until ready to bake. 
5. Bake, uncovered, in a 325 degrees F oven 30 minutes. With the back of a wooden spoon, press 6 indentations in top of strata.
6. Pour a whole egg into each indentation. Bake 20 to 25 minutes more or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of strata registers 170 degrees F and eggs are set. Let stand 15 minutes. 
7. Cut into squares to serve. If desired, drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and cracked black pepper. Makes 6 to 8 servings.