Jam Scott
The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole transforms the beloved sandwich into a warm, satisfying morning bake that’s perfect for brunches or cozy weekends. Imagine savory ham and turkey mingling with gooey melted cheese, all cradled in pillowy brioche and kissed with a custardy egg mixture. The top bakes to golden perfection with just the right amount of crisp, while the interior stays soft and rich.
This dish is not only irresistibly delicious, but also wonderfully practical. You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. It’s ideal for feeding a group with minimal fuss, and its sweet-and-savory flavor profile makes it feel like something special, even though it’s simple at heart.
What Kind of Bread Works Best for a Monte Cristo Casserole?
For a casserole that doesn’t get soggy and keeps a light, fluffy interior, brioche or challah bread are excellent choices. Their rich texture and subtle sweetness mirror the classic French toast vibe of the original sandwich. Day-old or slightly stale bread works even better, helping it hold up to the custard without turning mushy.
Ingredients for the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
- Brioche Bread: The soft, buttery base that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Deli Ham: Provides savory depth and traditional Monte Cristo flavor.
- Sliced Turkey: Adds a mild contrast to the salty ham, creating balance.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that signature tang.
- Eggs: Bind the casserole together, creating a custardy texture.
- Milk or Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture for a richer custard.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers a mild kick to cut through the richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): For a hint of sweetness reminiscent of the sandwich’s French toast roots.
- Maple Syrup (optional for serving): Brings the sweet-savory harmony to life.
How To Make the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release after baking. This step also helps crisp the edges of the casserole for an added textural bonus.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Meats
Cut brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and layer half of them in the dish. Top with an even layer of sliced ham, followed by turkey. Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese on top.
Step 3: Repeat the Layers
Add the remaining bread cubes, then the rest of the cheese. This double-layering creates pockets of melted cheese and meat throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or half-and-half), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth. This custard will soak into the bread for that signature Monte Cristo texture.
Step 5: Pour and Soak
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure to coat all the bread. Press down gently with a spatula to help everything absorb the liquid. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on the side for the full Monte Cristo experience.
Serving and Storing Your Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is best served warm straight from the oven, with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup on each portion for that signature Monte Cristo flair. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole casserole with foil and heat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of bread?
Yes! While brioche and challah work best, French bread or Texas toast also hold up well. Just avoid overly soft sandwich bread.
What cheese substitutes can I try?
Gruyère or white cheddar are great alternatives to Swiss if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the meats and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for hearty texture and flavor.
How far in advance can I prep this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead dish for busy mornings.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the fully baked casserole. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Is this sweet or savory?
It strikes a lovely balance. The casserole itself is savory, but the powdered sugar and maple syrup added before serving create a sweet-savory combination.
Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole, you might also enjoy these creative morning dishes:
• Breakfast Roll Ups Recipe for a handheld twist that’s kid-friendly and freezer-ready.
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole when you’re craving cheesy comfort.
• Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie if you’re leaning sweet for brunch.
• Easy Cream Puff Cake to bring a light and airy option to your table.
• Millionaire Peach Salad when you want something refreshing yet indulgent.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or brunch board so you can revisit it whenever the craving hits.
And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you go with classic ham and Swiss or mix it up with a spicy mustard or cheddar? Share your tweaks in the comments below.
Questions are always welcome too—we’re here to make mornings more delicious together.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole takes all the flavors of the classic sandwich and transforms them into an oven-baked morning delight. Layers of brioche, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese are soaked in a savory custard and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a satisfying and simple choice.
Ingredients
8 cups brioche bread, cubed (about 1 loaf)
1 cup sliced deli ham, chopped
1 cup sliced deli turkey, chopped
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups milk or half-and-half
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Layer half of the bread cubes in the dish, followed by ham, turkey, and half the cheese.
- Add remaining bread cubes and sprinkle on the rest of the cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Press gently to soak.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
