Cheddar, Ham and Spinach Strata

Ingredients

• 3 cups cheddar low-fat grated
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard 
• 10 large eggs 
• 3 cups half-and-half 
• 6 ounces ham chopped
• 1  onion finely chopped
• 1.5 teaspoons salt 
• 10 oz pkt spinach frozen dry thawed chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter unsalted plus more for greasing pan

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• oven
• whisk
• baking pan
• spatula

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Whisk together eggs, mustard, remaining salt and half-and-half in a bowl.
5. Pour over strata. Press down with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Uncover strata and bring to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350F.
7. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and bake until set in center, 50 to 60 minutes.
8. Let stand 5 minutes, cut into squares and serve.