Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. Layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and custardy bread bake together for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare ahead.

Ingredients

• 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
• 6 cups stale cubed French bread
• 9 oz. ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat the inside of an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking dish with non-stick spray; 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, making sure it is evenly coated with the egg mixture.
4. Step 4: Fold in the ham and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese until distributed 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 is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of raspberry preserves for a classic touch.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old French bread for the best texture and to absorb the custard fully without becoming soggy.
• Swap the ham for turkey or cooked bacon for a different flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast.

What can I serve with this breakfast casserole?

It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or classic sides like raspberry preserves or maple syrup to enhance the sweet and savory flavors.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 92 reviews

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, transformed into a warm, comforting casserole perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings. Featuring layers of stale French bread soaked in a savory custard of eggs, half & half, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg, combined with ham and Swiss cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s easy to prepare ahead and serves a crowd with minimal effort.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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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 sliced
• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Swiss Cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat the inside of an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. Mix Custard Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, fat free half & half, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and salt & pepper until fully combined and smooth.
3. Coat Bread Cubes: Add the stale cubed French bread into the custard mixture, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
4. Add Ham and Cheese: Fold in the diced ham and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese into the bread mixture, distributing evenly throughout.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by a side of raspberry preserves to complement the savory flavors.

Notes

• Using stale French bread helps to absorb the custard better and creates a firmer casserole.
• You can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken if preferred.
• For a richer dish, use whole milk or cream instead of fat-free half & half.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top when serving is optional for a hint of sweetness.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, Breakfast Casserole, Brunch Recipe, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Swiss Cheese, Easy Breakfast Casserole