Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for a hearty morning meal. Filled with ham, Swiss cheese, and a rich custard, it bakes into a golden, savory dish that pairs wonderfully with a touch of raspberry preserves.

Ingredients

• 4 whole large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups fat free half & half
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups stale cubed French bread
• 9 ounces ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat the inside of an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking dish with non-stick spray; set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cubed bread until it is evenly coated with the egg mixture.
4. Step 4: Fold in the ham and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese gently, distributing them throughout the mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted and set.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with a side of raspberry preserves for a sweet contrast.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to better soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.
• Try substituting the ham with cooked turkey or chicken for a different flavor.
• For extra richness, use whole milk or cream instead of fat free half & half.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a sweeter touch before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard or a small amount of spicy brown mustard, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish perfect for brunch or a comforting breakfast. Featuring a delightful combination of ham, Swiss cheese, and French bread soaked in a flavorful custard with Dijon mustard and a hint of nutmeg, this casserole bakes to a golden perfection, creating a rich and cheesy meal that pairs wonderfully with raspberry preserves.

• Author: Stella
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, fat free half & half, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine Bread with Custard: Add the cubed stale French bread to the custard mixture, stirring gently to evenly coat all the bread pieces with the liquid mixture.
4. Fold in Ham and Cheese: Carefully fold in the diced ham and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and the cheese has fully melted.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm, ideally accompanied by a side of raspberry preserves for a sweet contrast.

Notes

• Using stale bread helps absorb the custard better and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Feel free to substitute ham with turkey or chicken for a different twist.
• Raspberry preserves complement the savory flavors and add a nice touch of sweetness.
• This casserole can be prepared the night before; simply assemble and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
• If you prefer a richer casserole, substitute half & half with whole milk or heavy cream.

Keywords: Monte Cristo, Breakfast Casserole, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Brunch Recipe, Baked Breakfast, Swiss Cheese, Dijon Mustard, French Bread Casserole