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. Combining savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and custardy bread, it’s sure to please any brunch crowd.

Ingredients

• 4 whole large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups fat free half & half
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups stale cubed French bread
• 9 ounces ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray; set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cubed French bread, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
4. Step 4: Fold in the ham and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese gently.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with a side of raspberry preserves for a sweet contrast.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
• Swap ham for turkey or cooked bacon if preferred.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a richer dish, substitute half & half with whole milk or cream.
• Top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving for extra color and freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully and makes morning prep quicker.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Gruyere, cheddar, or mozzarella can be used instead of Swiss cheese, depending on your taste preference.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich into an easy-to-make baked casserole. Featuring stale French bread cubes soaked in a rich custard of eggs, fat-free half & half, and Dijon mustard, layered with diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese, this casserole is perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, offering a delicious blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory tastes that pairs wonderfully with a side of raspberry preserves.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Swiss Cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 whole eggs, 1 1/2 cups of fat-free half & half, 1 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste until fully combined.
3. Coat the Bread: Add the 6 cups of stale cubed French bread to the custard mixture and stir gently to coat the bread evenly.
4. Add Ham and Cheese: Fold in the 9 ounces of diced ham and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese into the bread mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by a side of raspberry preserves for a touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Using stale French bread helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
• You can substitute the ham with turkey or cooked chicken for a different protein option.
• If Swiss cheese is unavailable, Gruyere or mozzarella can be used as alternatives.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming from cold.
• Pair the casserole with fruit preserves or fresh fruit to add a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, Breakfast Casserole, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Swiss Cheese Casserole, Brunch Recipe, Easy Breakfast