This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole offers layers of savory goodness from the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, hearty ham, and perfectly seasoned eggs, all baked into a warm, golden crust. It’s an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Perfect for a weekend brunch, this casserole is not only quick to make but also easy to serve. You can customize it with different cheeses or add a little spice with mustard or hot sauce, depending on your taste. And for an extra touch, serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of strawberry or raspberry jam. This will elevate the sweet-savory balance and make it feel like a special occasion!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 slices of bread (cubed)
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1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
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1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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8 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
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Strawberry or raspberry jam for serving (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined.
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Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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Sprinkle the diced ham and both cheeses evenly over the bread cubes.
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Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure to cover everything. Press down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked.
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Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
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After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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If desired, garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and serve with strawberry or raspberry jam.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Appeal of Monte Cristo Casserole
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. It is not just a dish for special occasions but can easily become a go-to comfort meal. One of the key advantages of this breakfast casserole is its make-ahead nature. With just a bit of preparation the night before, it can be baked and served the next morning, saving time while still delivering an impressive meal. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy family breakfast, or celebrating a holiday, this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is sure to satisfy.
The casserole version takes the classic Monte Cristo sandwich and makes it more filling and hearty. The bread is not fried but instead baked into a delicious custard-like base, creating a satisfying texture. The combination of savory ham and turkey, along with the gooey cheese, makes each bite flavorful and rich. For those who love the traditional pairing of sweet and savory, the sprinkle of powdered sugar on top elevates the dish while the raspberry preserves on the side add an extra layer of sweetness.
Making Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole: A Step-by-Step Overview
Preparing the casserole involves several straightforward steps. The first part of the process is to prepare the bread. Using French bread, cut into cubes, is essential for achieving the desired texture. French bread holds up well in the casserole, creating a sturdy base for the egg mixture to soak into. While other types of bread can be used, French bread’s slightly crispy exterior and soft interior are ideal for this dish.
Next comes the layering of meats. Using both turkey and honey ham adds variety and depth of flavor. If you have leftover holiday turkey or ham, this recipe is a perfect way to use them up, turning leftovers into a fresh and exciting dish. The two types of cheese—Swiss and mild cheddar—are added to bring richness and meltability, ensuring that each bite is creamy and satisfying.
Once the layers are complete, a mixture of eggs and milk is poured over the bread and meat layers, creating the custard-like consistency that will bind the casserole together during baking. The casserole is then left to chill in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture and ensuring the casserole holds its shape when baked.
When ready, the casserole is baked at 350°F for about 40 minutes. The result is a golden brown, puffed-up casserole that holds its layers together perfectly. It’s important to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, which helps it set further.
Toppings: Sweet or Savory?
The finishing touch to the casserole is a light dusting of powdered sugar. This is optional but highly recommended if you’re aiming for a sweet-savory balance. The powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the ham, turkey, and cheese. The raspberry preserves served on the side complement this sweetness and provide an extra layer of flavor that can be added according to individual taste.
For those who prefer a more savory version, the powdered sugar and preserves can be omitted. The casserole is still delicious without the added sweetness and can be served as a purely savory dish. This flexibility makes the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs. Whether you want a breakfast that’s more indulgent or a more traditional savory bake, this casserole can cater to both tastes.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the best aspects of this breakfast casserole is how well it stores. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy this dish for several meals. The casserole can be reheated in the microwave or oven, maintaining its texture and flavor. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for enjoying over a couple of days.
Additionally, the casserole freezes well. After baking and allowing it to cool to room temperature, it can be wrapped and stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it the next morning. This makes the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole an excellent make-ahead meal for busy mornings or holiday gatherings.
Can I Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this casserole ahead of time, and it actually improves when left to rest overnight. Preparing the casserole the night before and letting it chill in the fridge gives the bread time to soak up the egg mixture, ensuring that the casserole bakes evenly and develops the perfect texture. This also allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more flavorful.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Variations
While the original recipe uses French bread, turkey, and ham, there are many variations you can make to suit your tastes. For example, you can swap out the meats for other options like bacon, sausage, or even vegetarian alternatives such as sautéed vegetables or tofu. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or a sharper cheddar. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding some mustard or hot sauce to the egg mixture can bring a zesty kick to the dish.
If you’re looking to make the casserole even more decadent, you can top it with sautéed onions or mushrooms before baking. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free bread and adjusting the recipe accordingly.
Conclusion: Why Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a Must-Try
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a comforting, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that brings the beloved flavors of the classic Monte Cristo sandwich into the realm of breakfast casseroles. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or a regular weekend breakfast, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The savory layers of bread, ham, turkey, and cheese are complemented perfectly by the optional sweet toppings of powdered sugar and raspberry preserves. It’s a hearty, filling, and indulgent breakfast that will keep you full and satisfied all day long.
Thanks to its make-ahead potential, the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is also a practical option for busy mornings. You can prepare it the night before and have it ready to bake when you wake up, making it ideal for large gatherings or holiday celebrations. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and customizable options, this breakfast casserole is a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Incorporating a blend of savory and sweet elements, the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, you can’t go wrong with this mouthwatering breakfast dish.