Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat Bread Cubes: Add the stale cubed French bread into the custard mixture, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- 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.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/monte-cristo-breakfast-casserole-recipe/
