This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a fun mix of breakfast goodies! With layers of bread, ham, turkey, and cheese, it’s both cheesy and hearty.
No need to fuss in the morning—you can prepare it ahead and just bake it! I love pairing it with some syrup on the side for that sweet and salty combo. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread or Brioche: Day-old bread is best for this dish as it absorbs the egg mixture well without falling apart. If you don’t have French bread, any sturdy bread can work, like challah or even a baguette! I love using brioche for its buttery flavor.
Eggs: Eggs are the base of the custard. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace some eggs with egg whites. However, for the best texture, I recommend sticking to whole eggs.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor, but feel free to swap it with 2% milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess a bit.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss is classic, but you can use Gruyère or even cheddar if you prefer something sharper. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Maple Syrup: It adds a sweet contrast! If you want a healthier option, consider sugar-free syrup or even honey as a substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Isn’t Soggy?
To avoid sogginess, follow a few simple tips. Using stale or day-old bread helps a lot, as it absorbs moisture nicely without becoming mushy. Make sure to let the casserole sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This soaking time is crucial!
- Press the bread gently when pouring the egg mixture to ensure it absorbs evenly.
- Cook it covered first to set, then uncovered to get that golden top.
Letting it cool for 10 minutes before serving will allow it to set better too. This makes slicing much easier!
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 cups cubed French bread or brioche (day-old works best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz sliced ham, chopped
- 8 oz sliced cooked turkey, chopped
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Optional: maple syrup, for serving
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes for prep and cooking time, plus at least 2 hours of chilling in the fridge (or overnight for better results). Altogether, you can expect to spend about 2.5 hours or a little more if you’re prepping the night before!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with butter or cooking spray—this will help prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is nicely combined—it should be smooth and creamy.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of the chopped ham and turkey over the bread. Next, add half of the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the meats. Repeat this process with the remaining bread, ham, turkey, and cheese to create a delicious layered structure!
4. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Now, take that egg mixture you whipped up and pour it evenly over the entire casserole. With a gentle press of your hands, make sure all the bread cubes are soaked in the egg mixture—this is key to a fabulous texture!
5. Chill the Casserole:
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if you have the time). This allows the bread to absorb all that goodness!
6. Bake the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge about 30 minutes ahead of time to bring it to room temperature. Bake it covered with the foil for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation, and if you want, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Serve warm with maple syrup on the side for a delicious dip.
Enjoy your Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole, perfect for a cozy brunch or a special breakfast treat! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While French bread or brioche are ideal for their texture, you can use any sturdy bread like challah or even a baguette. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best results.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and turkey. Substitute with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for a flavorful twist!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it up gently in the oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
