Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, layered with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and soaked in a flavorful egg custard. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for brunch or a cozy morning gathering that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 slices of white bread, crusts removed
• 8 ounces of deli ham, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of deli turkey, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of Swiss cheese, sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Raspberry jam for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some of the melted butter.
2. Step 2: Arrange 6 slices of bread in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Evenly layer half of the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the bread.
4. Step 4: Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top, then add the remaining ham, turkey, and cheese.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, pressing down gently to help the bread soak up the custard.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the rest of the melted butter on top of the casserole.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture.
9. Step 9: Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
10. Step 10: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
11. Step 11: Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
12. Step 12: Serve warm, preferably with raspberry jam on the side for a sweet contrast.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole wheat or brioche bread for a different texture and richer flavor.
• Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or cheddar to change the cheese profile.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch more cayenne or some finely chopped jalapeños.
• To make it vegetarian, replace the ham and turkey with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Letting the casserole soak overnight helps the bread absorb more custard for a tender, sliceable dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, letting the casserole sit covered overnight in the refrigerator allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a moister and more flavorful dish.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with raspberry jam for a sweet finish and fresh fruit or a simple green salad for balance.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 80 reviews

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory and indulgent twist on the classic sandwich, layered with ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, soaked in a flavorful egg mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a comforting brunch or breakfast gathering, it pairs wonderfully with raspberry jam for a sweet contrast.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes resting time or overnight soaking)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Meats

• 12 slices of white bread, crusts removed
• 8 ounces of deli ham, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces of deli turkey, thinly sliced

Cheese

• 8 ounces of Swiss cheese, sliced

Egg Mixture

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Additional Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Raspberry jam for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of the melted butter to prevent sticking and help with browning.
2. First Bread Layer: Lay out 6 slices of white bread evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish forming a single layer to create the base of the casserole.
3. Add Meat and Cheese Layer: Evenly distribute half of the sliced ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the bread layer to layer flavors and richness.
4. Second Bread Layer: Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of the meat and cheese layer, followed by the remaining ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese to build the casserole’s layers.
5. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring an evenly flavored custard.
6. Pour Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, gently pressing down to help the bread absorb the liquid for a moist and cohesive casserole.
7. Add Butter: Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top of the casserole to enhance flavor and help the top turn a rich golden brown during baking.
8. Rest the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight to fully soak the bread and meld flavors.
9. First Bake: Bake the casserole, covered with foil, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to set the egg and start cooking the casserole through.
10. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is completely set for a perfect texture.
11. Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before dusting the top with powdered sugar for a signature Monte Cristo taste contrast.
12. Serve: Serve warm with a side of raspberry jam for optional sweetness that complements the savory layers beautifully.

Notes

• For best flavor, allow the casserole to rest covered overnight so the bread soaks up the egg mixture thoroughly.
• Using crust-less white bread prevents a tougher texture and helps the casserole absorb the liquid evenly.
• Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere or another melty cheese of your choice.
• To make individual servings, consider baking the casserole in muffin tins instead of one dish.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, Breakfast Casserole, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Brunch Recipe, Savory Breakfast, Layered Casserole