Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, baked into a warm, comforting dish perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. Layers of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and bread soak up a rich custard, creating a savory and sweet flavor combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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 well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and set in the middle.
10. Step 10: Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with extra maple syrup, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole wheat or brioche bread for a richer texture and flavor.
• Substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for a different taste.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ham and turkey with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate; bake in the morning for a convenient breakfast.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free bread cubes instead of regular white bread to keep it gluten-free.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole combines the classic flavors of the iconic sandwich into a warm, savory, and slightly sweet baked dish. Layers of white bread, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese are soaked in a flavorful egg and maple syrup custard, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and served with maple syrup, this casserole is a delightful twist perfect for brunch or a special breakfast gathering.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

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

Custard 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

Toppings

• 1/4 cup of melted butter
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Maple syrup (for serving)

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 during baking.
2. Prepare Bread Layers: Cut the 8 slices of white bread into cubes and place half of them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer Meats and Cheese: Layer the 8 slices of ham, followed by the 8 slices of turkey, and then the 8 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the bread cubes in the dish.
4. Add Remaining Bread: Cover the meat and cheese layers with the remaining half of the bread cubes to create an even top layer.
5. Mix Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Pour Custard Over Layers: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered bread, meat, and cheese in the baking dish, allowing it to soak throughout.
7. Top with Butter: Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted butter evenly over the entire casserole to add richness and help develop a golden crust.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the custard to set and the flavors to meld.
9. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
10. Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling if desired.

Notes

• You can prepare this casserole the night before by assembling it and refrigerating overnight, then baking in the morning – just add additional baking time if baking from cold.
• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better texture as it will absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
• For a lower-fat option, substitute milk with skim milk and reduce the quantity of butter.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light side salad to balance the richness.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, breakfast casserole, ham and turkey casserole, Swiss cheese casserole, brunch recipe, baked breakfast dish