Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Brunch

Imagine the perfect bite: the sweet kiss of raspberry jam, the savory depth of melted cheese and ham, all soaked into soft bread with a rich, custardy texture. That’s the magic of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich, and we’ve transformed it into an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish. This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole recipe is your new go-to for holidays, weekend brunch, or any morning that deserves a touch of elegance without the fuss. It’s a simple, make-ahead marvel that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Get ready to discover the ultimate breakfast bake that perfectly balances sweet and savory. It’s an overnight sensation that makes your morning incredibly easy and delicious.

Why This is the Best Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

This isn’t just another breakfast bake. We’ve designed this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole to be perfectly balanced and incredibly easy to assemble. The secret is in the ratio of egg custard to bread, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful, never soggy. By preparing it the night before, the bread has ample time to soak up the rich, savory custard, resulting in a perfectly puffed, golden-brown top and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s a showstopper that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Casserole

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the signature Monte Cristo flavor profile.

• Bread: We recommend using a sturdy bread like brioche or challah. Their rich, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture hold up beautifully to the egg custard without turning to mush. Day-old bread is even better!
• Ham: Good quality sliced deli ham is perfect. We love a classic Black Forest or Virginia ham for its savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese is traditional for its nutty, mild flavor that melts into ooey-gooey perfection. Gruyère is another fantastic option if you want a slightly bolder, more complex taste.
• Egg Custard: A simple mixture of eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, and a hint of nutmeg creates the rich, savory base that brings the whole casserole together.
• Toppings: The classic finishing touches are what make it a true Monte Cristo. A dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jam for dipping create that iconic sweet and savory contrast.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your New Favorite Brunch Dish

Making this incredible casserole is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success.

1. Prepare the Casserole Dish

Start by generously buttering a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds another layer of rich flavor to the bottom crust.

2. Layer the Ingredients

This is where the magic begins. Create layers of flavor by arranging half of the bread cubes in the prepared dish. Top the bread with an even layer of sliced ham, followed by a generous layer of Swiss cheese. Finish by scattering the remaining bread cubes over the cheese. For a similar dish, you might enjoy our Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry recipe.

3. Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This savory custard is the heart of the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole.

4. Soak Overnight

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread, ham, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s all coated and beginning to absorb the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This step is crucial for the perfect texture.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is set. If you’re a fan of easy, baked breakfast dishes, our Sheet Pan Pancakes are a must-try.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with a side of raspberry jam for dipping. For another savory breakfast option, check out these delicious Sausage Cinnamon Roll-Ups.

Expert Tips for Casserole Success

• Don’t Use Fresh Bread: Day-old, slightly stale bread is your best friend. It absorbs the custard much better without becoming overly saturated and soggy.
• Press It Down: Make sure to gently press the bread into the egg mixture to ensure every piece is soaking up the delicious custard.
• Give It Time: The overnight rest is non-negotiable for the best texture. It allows the flavors to meld and the bread to become perfectly saturated.
• Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the center is set. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean. Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble it completely the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or warm the casserole in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:

• Different Meats: Try cooked turkey, bacon, or even sausage instead of ham.
• Cheese Swaps: Provolone, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar would also be delicious.
• Sweeter Side: Add a teaspoon of vanilla and a tablespoon of sugar to the egg mixture for a more French-toast-like flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Creation!

We are absolutely certain you and your loved ones will adore this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole. It’s a recipe destined to become a cherished favorite for special mornings. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Brunch

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole transforms the classic sweet and savory sandwich into an easy, make-ahead brunch masterpiece. Layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and brioche are soaked in a rich egg custard for a deliciously simple, crowd-pleasing dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread about 16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old is best)
• 1 lb sliced deli ham Black Forest or Virginia ham work well
• 8 oz Swiss cheese sliced or shredded
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk whole milk is preferred
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter melted, for the dish
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Raspberry jam for serving

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Whisk

Method

 

1. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
2. Arrange half of the bread cubes in a single layer in the prepared dish. Top evenly with the sliced ham, followed by the Swiss cheese. Scatter the remaining bread cubes over the cheese.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg until thoroughly combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Gently press down on the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and puffed, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with raspberry jam on the side.

Notes

For the best results, use day-old bread as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
Feel free to substitute Gruyère or Provolone cheese for the Swiss.
Ensure the casserole is fully chilled and has soaked for at least 4 hours to achieve the perfect texture.