Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a tasty twist on the classic sandwich that combines ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese all baked into a fluffy egg and bread casserole. It…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a tasty twist on the classic sandwich that combines ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese all baked into a fluffy egg and bread casserole. It has a wonderful mix of salty meat, melty cheese, and a touch of sweetness from a hint of powdered sugar and jam on top. The texture is soft and comforting, with just enough crispiness on the edges to keep things interesting.
I love making this casserole for weekend mornings when I want something special but easy to prepare ahead of time. It’s great because you can throw everything together the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning. Plus, it’s a true crowd-pleaser – I always get asked for the recipe whenever I bring it to a brunch or family breakfast.
My favorite way to serve it is with a side of fresh fruit and a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a little raspberry jam for that nice sweet balance. It feels like a treat but without all the fuss of making individual sandwiches. This casserole has become one of my go-to recipes for holiday mornings or lazy Sundays when I want something cozy and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old French bread or brioche gives the best texture—sturdy enough to soak up the custard without turning mushy. If you can’t find these, challah or Texas toast work well too.
Ham and Turkey: These meats bring the salty, meaty flavor that defines a Monte Cristo. Feel free to use leftover roast turkey or ham from the deli. For a lighter version, turkey alone works fine.
Swiss Cheese: Classic for its mild, nutty taste and great melting quality. If you don’t have Swiss, Gruyère or mozzarella can be good substitutes.
Custard Mix (Eggs, Milk, and Spices): Whole milk gives a rich, creamy custard, but you can substitute with half-and-half or any milk you prefer for lighter results. I like adding nutmeg and vanilla for warm, subtle flavor notes.
Garnishes: Powdered sugar and jam add that traditional sweet touch. Maple syrup or honey can be good alternatives if jam isn’t handy.
How Do You Make Sure the Bread Absorbs the Custard Perfectly?
Getting the bread to soak up the custard evenly is key to a moist, well-set casserole without soggy spots. Here’s how I do it:
- Use cubed, day-old bread. Fresh bread tends to fall apart or get too mushy.
- Layer the bread and meat, then pour the custard slowly and evenly over the top.
- Press down gently with a spatula to help the custard sink into all the bread pieces.
- Cover the casserole and let it rest 20–30 minutes before baking. This resting time allows the custard to soak in well.
These steps help make every bite flavorful and wonderfully tender without a soggy bottom.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and layering all the ingredients comfortably.
- Mixing bowl – great for whisking together the eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
- Whisk – helps you mix the custard ingredients without lumps.
- Rubber spatula – useful to press the custard evenly into the bread and scrape the bowl clean.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the casserole moist while baking during the first part of cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the turkey and ham for cooked bacon or sausage for a smoky, hearty twist.
- Try Gruyère or cheddar cheese instead of Swiss for a slightly different cheese flavor.
- Add sautéed spinach or diced bell peppers for a touch of color and fresh flavor.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon or cardamom into the custard for a warm, sweet spice note.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or brioche works well)
- 1 lb cooked ham, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1/2 lb cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced or chopped
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Custard Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Other:
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
- Optional garnish: powdered sugar, fresh rosemary sprigs, and raspberry or strawberry jam for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole takes about 20 minutes for preparation, plus 20-30 minutes of soaking time, and then around 45-50 minutes of baking time. All together, plan for about 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Next, layer the ham and turkey evenly over the bread, then top everything with the shredded Swiss cheese.
2. Make and Pour the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well blended. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat layers. To help the bread soak up the custard, press down lightly using a spatula.
3. Let It Set and Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully. Then, bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Before serving, you can garnish with fresh rosemary if you like. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry or strawberry jam to spread on each slice for that classic sweet and savory Monte Cristo taste.
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen bread, but be sure to thaw it completely before cubing. Day-old bread that’s slightly stale works best to soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! After assembling, cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Swiss Cheese?
Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese make excellent substitutes if you don’t have Swiss on hand, each offering a slightly different but delicious flavor.