Country Ham, Spinach, and Mozzarella Strata

6 slices day-old white bread, crusts removed and torn into pieces
1 cup finely chopped or shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 cup diced cooked Smithfield ham (or other style cured country ham)
One 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups milk
6 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart casserole.

2. Sprinkle half the bread pieces over the bottom of the prepared casserole. Top with half the cheese, sprinkle the ham evenly over the cheese, arrange the spinach evenly over the top, sprinkle on the remaining bread pieces, and drizzle the melted butter over the top.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, mustard, nutmeg, and pepper till well blended and pour slowly over the casserole. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 30 minutes.

4. To bake, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake till a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. 45-50 minutes.

Makes 6 servings.