Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
why make this recipe
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is simple and tasty. It saves time and feeds a crowd. You can make it ahead and bake in the morning. If you like easy egg bakes, also try this crack breakfast casserole for more ideas.
introduction
This dish mixes bread, ham, turkey, cheese, and eggs. It tastes like a Monte Cristo sandwich but is baked as a casserole. The dish is soft inside and golden on top. It works for breakfast, brunch, or a casual meal.
how to make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Follow simple steps. Layer the bread, meat, and cheese. Pour the egg mix over the layers. Let it sit so the bread soaks the egg. Bake until set and golden. Rest a bit, then dust with powdered sugar if you like and serve with jam.
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)
Directions :
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of the melted butter., Lay out 6 slices of bread on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a single layer., Layer half of the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese evenly over the bread layer., Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top, followed by the remaining ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese., In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined., Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid., Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top., Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for the best results., Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes., Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set., Let the casserole cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired., Serve warm with a side of raspberry jam.
how to serve Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Cut into squares and place on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve with raspberry jam on the side. For a brunch table, add fruit and coffee. You can also show other meal ideas on a page about breakfast and brunch to plan a full menu.
how to store Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temp. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Put in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight. Reheat in oven at 350°F until hot.
tips to make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Use day-old bread so it soaks the egg better. Slice the cheese thin for even melt. Let it sit 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Press down gently when you pour the egg mix so the bread soaks well. Use a sharp knife to cut neat squares after it cools a bit.
variation (if any)
- Add a bit of cooked mustard or honey mustard for a sweet note.
- Swap Swiss for Gruyère or cheddar for a different taste.
- Use turkey only or ham only if you prefer one meat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this the night before?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
Q: Can I use whole wheat bread?
A: Yes. It will work but the texture may be a bit denser.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave a single piece for 1–2 minutes.
Q: Can I skip the powdered sugar?
A: Yes. Powdered sugar is optional. The casserole still tastes good without it.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Use cooked mushrooms or spinach instead of ham and turkey and add extra cheese.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious baked casserole combining bread, ham, turkey, cheese, and eggs that tastes like a Monte Cristo sandwich.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of the melted butter.
- Lay out 6 slices of bread on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a single layer.
- Layer half of the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese evenly over the bread layer.
- Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top, followed by the remaining ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
- Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve warm with a side of raspberry jam.
Notes
Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture. Press down gently when pouring the egg mix to ensure soaking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
