This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a tasty mix of bread, eggs, ham, and cheese, all baked together until golden. It’s like a brunch dream come true!
Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish offers a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. I love enjoying it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some warm syrup on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I love using brioche for its sweet flavor and soft texture, but you can swap it for challah or even whole wheat bread if needed. Just aim for something a bit fluffy for the best texture.
Ham: Diced ham is a must for that classic Monte Cristo taste. You could use leftover turkey or chicken, or for a vegetarian option, try diced mushrooms or cooked spinach to keep it hearty while skipping the meat.
Cheese: Swiss cheese is traditional, but if you want to mix it up, go for Gruyère or Monterey Jack. These will still give you a nice melt without straying too far from the original flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Soaked?
The key to a great breakfast casserole is allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture properly. Here’s how to do it:
- After you pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and ham, gently press down with a spatula. This helps the bread absorb the liquid.
- Let it soak in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight if you can. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it!
The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes, leading to a soft and creamy finished dish, so plan accordingly!
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 cups cubed brioche or white bread (about 8-10 slices)
- 2 cups cooked diced ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole requires about 15 minutes for prep time and 45-50 minutes for baking. If you decide to let it soak overnight, add a few hours to that, but this makes it even tastier! Overall, you can expect about 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, plus any overnight time if you choose to refrigerate it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make serving much easier!
2. Layer the Ingredients:
In your greased baking dish, evenly layer the cubed bread, followed by the diced ham, and then sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top. This layering helps distribute flavors nicely throughout the casserole.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, vanilla extract, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. To ensure the bread absorbs the custard, press down gently with a spatula or your hands.
5. Chill (Optional):
Cover your dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it sit overnight is ideal as it allows the bread to soak up even more flavor.
6. Bake:
When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover it. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set and the top is a nice golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
After removing it from the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve. When you’re ready, scoop out pieces and serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar and some maple syrup for drizzling on top.
Enjoy this sweet and savory Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole that brings together the amazing flavors of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich in an easy-to-make dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Yes! While brioche is fantastic for its flavor, you can use challah, French bread, or even whole wheat bread if you prefer something healthier. Just ensure it’s a sturdy bread so it holds up when soaking in the egg mixture.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Preparing it the night before is actually recommended. Just follow the instructions up to covering and refrigerating. This lets the bread soak and absorb all those delicious flavors!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can add a dash of syrup for extra flavor when serving again!
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just switch out the bread for a gluten-free bread variety. Make sure to check the other ingredients, like Dijon mustard, to ensure they’re also gluten-free. Enjoy the same tasty flavors without worries!