The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, all baked into a warm and hearty dish. It combines fluffy eggs, melty cheese, ham, and bread, with a touch of sweetness from a hint of powdered sugar or jam on the side. Every bite has a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that make waking up in the morning something to look forward to.
I absolutely love making this casserole when I have family or friends over for brunch because it’s so easy to put together ahead of time and just pop it in the oven. It fills the kitchen with the most inviting smell, and everyone always asks for seconds. One of my favorite things is adding a little maple syrup drizzle or a side of fresh fruit to balance the flavors perfectly.
This dish feels like a warm hug on a weekend morning when you want something comforting but also a little special. It’s great for gatherings but simple enough to enjoy on a lazy day at home. Making a Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole always brightens my morning and keeps everyone happy around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs & Milk: These create the rich, custardy base that soaks the bread. Use whole milk for creaminess, but you can swap with half-and-half or a dairy-free milk if needed.
Bread: Day-old white or French bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. If you prefer, try sourdough or brioche for a different texture.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds savory flavor and a bit of saltiness. Turkey or cooked bacon are great substitutes if you want a twist or need a lower-fat option.
Cheese: Swiss or Gruyere melts beautifully and adds nuttiness. If you can’t find these, try mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a milder taste.
Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon adds subtle tang that lifts all the flavors. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard works fine or leave it out for a gentler flavor.
How Can I Make Sure the Bread Soaks Up the Egg Mixture Well?
Proper soaking is key to a creamy, evenly cooked casserole. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut bread into bite-sized cubes so they absorb the liquid evenly.
- Layer bread, ham, and cheese carefully, then pour the egg mixture slowly over the top.
- Press the top gently with a spatula to help the egg soak in, but don’t mash the bread.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. The cold soak allows the bread to absorb the mixture without getting soggy too soon.
These steps ensure every bite is soft but still holds together nicely after baking. I always find that the overnight soak makes the best texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s just right for serving and cooks evenly.
- Mixing bowl – a large bowl for whisking the eggs, milk, and seasonings makes this step easy.
- Whisk – keeps the egg mixture smooth and well combined.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients like milk, salt, and mustard.
- Knife and cutting board – to dice the ham and bread into even pieces.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the dish while it soaks in the fridge and keep moisture in during baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese twist: Swap Swiss with pepper jack or cheddar for a different melt and flavor.
- Protein swap: Use cooked bacon, turkey, or chicken instead of ham for variety.
- Veggie add-in: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Sweet touch: A drizzle of honey or a side of fruit preserves can add a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory elements.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 6 cups bread cubes (day-old white bread or French bread)
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyere)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for greasing dish)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup or raspberry jam, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge (overnight is best). Baking takes about 50-55 minutes. So, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes total if you chill it for an hour, or longer if you let it soak overnight for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to keep everything from sticking.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of the shredded cheese on top. Then add the remaining bread cubes, followed by the rest of the ham and cheese.
4. Pour and Soak:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, gently pressing down with a spatula so the bread soaks up the liquid. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
5. Chill Before Baking:
Place the covered casserole in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This helps the bread absorb all that delicious egg mixture.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Take the casserole out of the fridge about 20 minutes before baking to come closer to room temperature. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and the middle is set. A knife inserted should come out clean.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool a bit before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or raspberry jam on the side for a perfect sweet and savory breakfast treat!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the bread completely before cubing it. Using day-old bread is best, but thawed bread cubes work well too as long as they’re not soggy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it soak overnight in the fridge helps the flavors meld and gives the bread a perfect custardy texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Ham?
Yes, feel free to use cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey in place of ham to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.