Cheddar, Ham and Spinach Strata

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 10-oz. package frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed dry and chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 6 ounces ham, chopped
• 12 ounces grated low-fat Cheddar (3 cups)
• 1 large Italian or French bread (about 1 lb.), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 10 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 cups half-and-half

Preparation

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in spinach and 1/2 tsp. salt and heat through. Stir in ham; let cool.
2. Set aside 1 cup cheese, cover and refrigerate. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cover bottom with a layer of bread. Cover bread with half of spinach mixture, then half of remaining cheese. Repeat with remaining bread, spinach and cheese.
3. Whisk together eggs, mustard, remaining salt and half-and-half in a bowl. Pour over strata. Press down with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
4. Uncover strata and bring to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and bake until set in center, 50 to 60 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes, cut into squares and serve.