Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for a hearty morning meal or brunch. Combining layers of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and bread soaked in a sweet and savory egg mixture, this dish bakes to a golden, custardy perfection that your whole family will love.

A close-up slice of a baked sandwich shows three main layers: the bottom layer is golden brown toasted bread with a slightly rough, crispy texture; the middle layer is several thin slices of pink ham folded neatly; the top layer is melted white cheese, smooth and gooey, with a golden browned crust that looks crispy and bubbly, sprinkled lightly with green herbs and a dusting of white powder. The slice rests on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of white bread
  • 8 slices of ham
  • 8 slices of turkey
  • 8 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups of milk
  • 1/4 cup of maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1/4 cup of melted butter

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Cut the bread slices into cubes and place half of them in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Step 3: Layer the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese evenly over the bread cubes.
  4. Step 4: Cover the layers with the remaining bread cubes.
  5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until combined.
  6. Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish.
  7. Step 7: Drizzle the melted butter on top of the casserole.
  8. Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
  • Use whole wheat or sourdough bread for a different texture and taste.
  • Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or cheddar for a different cheese profile.
  • Let the casserole sit in the refrigerator overnight after assembling to soak up more flavor before baking.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a layered sandwich bake showing three main layers: the bottom layer is lightly browned bread with a soft texture, the middle layer consists of thin, folded slices of pink ham, and the top layer is a thick, golden-brown baked egg and cheese mixture with a slightly crispy, bubbly texture and some herbs sprinkled on top. The edges of the bake are darkened and crisp, with a small amount of melted cheese oozing out between layers. The dish is placed on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. While white bread is traditional, you can use whole wheat, brioche, or sourdough to add different textures and flavors to the casserole.

Print

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory and sweet layered dish featuring ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and bread soaked in a rich egg and maple syrup mixture. Baked until golden and bubbly, it combines the flavors of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich with the ease of a comforting breakfast casserole, perfect for family brunches or holiday mornings.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Meat

  • 8 slices of white bread
  • 8 slices of ham
  • 8 slices of turkey

Cheese

  • 8 slices of Swiss cheese

Egg Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups of milk
  • 1/4 cup of maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

Topping

  • 1/4 cup of melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Bread Base: Cut the bread slices into cubes and place half of the cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish to form the bottom layer.
  3. Layer Meats and Cheese: Arrange the slices of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese in layers over the bread cubes, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Add Top Bread Layer: Cover the meat and cheese layers with the remaining bread cubes to create a layered casserole.
  5. Mix Egg Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, meat, and cheese in the baking dish, allowing it to soak into the bread.
  7. Add Butter Topping: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole to add richness and promote browning.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the casserole to set and cook through.
  9. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little Dijon mustard inside the layers or add fresh herbs like thyme.
  • Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
  • Maple syrup in the egg mixture adds sweetness, but you can adjust the amount to your taste or substitute with honey.
  • Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning for convenience.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, Breakfast Casserole, Ham, Turkey, Swiss cheese, Baked breakfast, Maple syrup, Easy brunch recipe

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