Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- 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.
- 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
