If you are searching for a delightful twist on classic breakfast flavors, this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is sure to become your new weekend favorite. Combining the savory goodness of ham and turkey with the sweet touch of cinnamon and maple syrup, this casserole perfectly mimics the beloved Monte Cristo sandwich in a cozy, shareable dish. The custardy bread base soaked in a vanilla-infused mixture, topped with melted Swiss cheese, creates layers of flavor and texture that make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe has been carefully chosen to build a balanced burst of taste, texture, and color, making the preparation straightforward and the result nothing short of spectacular.
- Bread cubes: Day-old or slightly firm bread works best to absorb the custard without turning mushy.
- Chopped ham and turkey: Combining these deli meats introduces a savory depth that stays juicy throughout baking.
- Eggs: The binding agent that gives the casserole its rich, custard-like texture.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture ensuring it’s smooth and tender.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle, aromatic note that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Cinnamon: Brings a warm spiciness that lifts the sweet-savory balance beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch that sharpens and rounds out every flavor in the casserole.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts to a luscious, slightly nutty layer on top creating that signature Monte Cristo finish.
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup: The perfect final touch for dusting and drizzling, adding sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with cooking spray or butter to ensure the casserole won’t stick and will have an easy time sliding out once baked.
Step 2: Layer Bread and Meat
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the bread cubes with the chopped ham and turkey until evenly distributed. This creates the savory foundation of our dish. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure the meaty bites are spread throughout to cover every slice.
Step 3: Prepare Custard Mixture
Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until everything is fully combined. This custard will soak into the bread, making the casserole tender, flavorful, and perfectly moist.
Step 4: Add Custard and Cheese
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat layers, gently pressing down with a spatula or your hands so the bread absorbs the custard thoroughly. Then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese over the top to create that irresistibly melty and nutty finish.
Step 5: Rest Before Baking
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This brief resting period allows the bread to soak up every bit of custard, ensuring a custardy center with no dry spots.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Place the covered casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This step helps set the custard base so the dish holds together beautifully when cut.
Step 7: Finish Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake the casserole for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown top – this is when the Swiss cheese perfectly melts and forms a lightly crisp crust that elevates the texture.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets it firm up for easy slicing. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup to honor the classic Monte Cristo’s sweet and savory bliss.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To turn up the charm and flavor, finish your Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup. These garnishes add the perfect sweet contrast to the savory meat and cheese, recreating the classic Monte Cristo vibe in every forkful.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices to brighten your meal and add a juicy, refreshing balance. A crisp green salad or lightly dressed arugula also complements it nicely, adding a peppery bite and fresh texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the casserole directly in the baking dish for a casual, family-style feel or slice the casserole into neat squares and plate individually with small ramekins of syrup on the side for dipping. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon for a beautiful, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers an extra treat for a quick breakfast or brunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe before baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warm, or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil to maintain moisture. For a crispier top, remove foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or even a sturdy white bread work wonderfully. Just ensure the bread isn’t too fresh or soft, so it absorbs the custard well without becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out ham and turkey for plant-based deli slices or add cooked mushrooms and spinach for a comforting, vegetarian-friendly version.
How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking as directed to ensure even cooking and custard setting.
Can I substitute Swiss cheese with another kind?
Gruyère or mozzarella can be great substitutes. Gruyère offers a similarly nutty flavor, while mozzarella will give more stretch and mildness—but make sure to use a good melting cheese.
Why is resting the casserole before baking important?
This resting period allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, resulting in a creamy, custardy texture throughout, rather than dry or uneven spots.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your friends or family with an unforgettable brunch, the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a gorgeous, effortless way to do it. Every bite is a warm, comforting hug filled with layers of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. So grab your favorite bread and deli meats, and make this treasured recipe yours today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining layers of bread, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese soaked in a rich custard mixture infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a sweet and savory breakfast option that’s perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread (preferably slightly stale or day-old)
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 cup chopped turkey
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer Bread and Meat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with chopped ham and turkey. Mix gently to distribute the meat evenly throughout the bread cubes. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the custard mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Custard and Cheese: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat layer in the baking dish. Press down gently using a spatula or your hands to help the bread absorb the liquid thoroughly. Then sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly on top.
- Rest Before Baking: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture fully, ensuring a custardy texture.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to set the custard base and heat through the casserole.
- Finish Uncovered: Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set in the center and the top turns a lovely golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup to add a perfect balance of sweetness to the savory casserole.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or Emmental for similar flavor profiles.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase covered baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
