Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for a cozy morning meal. With layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and flavorful custard-soaked bread, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your brunch cravings.

Ingredients

• 4 whole large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups fat free half & half
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups stale cubed French bread
• 9 ounces ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat the inside of an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cubed French bread, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the custard mixture.
4. Step 4: Fold in the ham and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese gently to distribute throughout the mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by raspberry preserves for a sweet contrast.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help the casserole absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
• Substitute turkey for ham if you prefer a leaner option.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving for a touch of sweetness.
• Include a dash of cayenne pepper in the custard mixture for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For best texture, you can also reheat in a 350-degree F oven for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What can I serve with Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, green salad, or a side of raspberry preserves to complement the savory flavors.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

A savory and satisfying Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole that combines eggs, ham, Swiss cheese, and French bread in a creamy custard base, baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat, served best with a side of sweet raspberry preserves.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Custard Mixture

• 4 Whole Large Eggs
• 1 1/2 Cups Fat Free Half & Half
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Main Ingredients

• 6 Cups Stale Cubed French Bread
• 9 Ounces Ham, diced or chopped
• 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Swiss Cheese

Other

• Non-stick cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking; set aside.
2. Mix Custard Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 whole eggs, 1 1/2 cups fat-free half & half, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Bread and Custard: Add 6 cups of stale cubed French bread to the custard mixture, stirring gently until all bread pieces are evenly coated with the custard.
4. Add Ham and Cheese: Fold in 9 ounces of diced ham and 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese carefully into the coated bread mixture, distributing evenly.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm alongside raspberry preserves for a delicious sweet contrast.

Notes

• Using stale bread helps the casserole soak up the custard better without becoming too soggy.
• You can substitute the ham with turkey or roast chicken for a different twist.
• For a richer texture, you may use whole milk or heavy cream instead of fat free half & half.
• Ensure the baking dish size is around 8×8 or 9×9 inches to avoid under- or over-cooking.
• Serve the casserole with fruit preserves like raspberry for a classic Monte Cristo flavor balance.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up for easier slicing.

Keywords: Monte Cristo casserole, breakfast casserole, baked egg dish, ham and cheese casserole, savory breakfast bake, Swiss cheese casserole