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
Scale
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.
