Breakfast Strata

Directions

1. 1
   Spread 1/3 of bread slices, edges almost touching, in 10 x 6 inch glass baking dish.
2. 2
   Saute onion briefly in butter until it softens.
3. 3
   Sprinkle half the onion over the bread in baking dish.
4. 4
   Top with half of ham, half the diced tomato and chiles, half the oregano and 1/3 of the cheese.
5. 5
   Spread another layer of bread in the baking dish, using about half the remaining bread slices, or enough to barely cover filling.
6. 6
   Over this sprinkle the remaining onion, ham, tomato, chiles, oregano, and half the remaining cheese.
7. 7
   Arrange remaining bread slices over top, edges touching.
8. 8
   Beat together milk and eggs.
9. 9
   Slowly pour over the bread.
10. 10
    Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
11. 11
    Cover and refrigerate overnight.
12. 12
    Next morning: Preheat oven to 325F.
13. 13
    Bake pudding, uncovered, for 45 minutes, until center is puffed and golden.
14. 14
    Serve hot.