Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat the Bread: Add the 6 cups of stale cubed French bread to the custard mixture and stir gently to coat the bread evenly.
- 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.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- 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.
- 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
