1. Grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter and cover bottom with about half of the bread slices. Top with an even layer of ham, followed by a layer of pears and 1/2 cup Swiss. Repeat layering with bread, ham, and another 1/2 cup Swiss.

2. Arrange remaining pears around the border of the dish, overlapping them by about half. Shingle remaining pieces of bread and ham in center until surface area is covered.

3. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, thyme, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl until well combined. Slowly pour over dish and firmly press down with hands to completely submerge. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Swiss, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 24.

4. To cook, heat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover and gently press down to re-submerge layers and bake until strata is golden brown and puffed, about 1 hour. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Source: Hannaford fresh Magazine, November - December 2015