If you have ever wished to capture the magic of a Monte Cristo sandwich combined with the comforting warmth of a breakfast casserole, then this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It takes all the delicious layers of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, wraps them in cubed bread soaked in a savory egg custard, and bakes it all to golden, bubbly perfection. This dish is perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something heartwarming and indulgently tasty. It strikes the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and cheesy, and once you make it, it’s bound to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity — no fancy ingredients, just the essentials that create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an important role: the bread soaks up the custard beautifully, the ham and turkey bring savory depth, Swiss cheese melts into gooey pockets, and maple syrup infuses a subtle sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.
- 8 slices of white bread: Provides the soft, sponge-like base perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.
- 8 slices of ham: Adds that classic smoky saltiness essential to Monte Cristo’s charm.
- 8 slices of turkey: Balances the flavor with a lighter, tender meat layer.
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, giving a creamy, nutty flavor throughout.
- 6 large eggs: The binder that holds everything together with richness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups of milk: Keeps the casserole soft and custard-like but not too dense.
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup: Just the right touch of sweetness to echo the classic Monte Cristo taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and spice for balance.
- 1/4 cup of melted butter: Poured on top for a golden crust and rich finish.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish is crucial here as it prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures the bottom layer of bread crisps up nicely during baking. This step is simple but foundational for an easy release and beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Create the Base Layer of Bread
Cut your white bread slices into bite-sized cubes. Then spread half of these cubes evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This forms the foundation that will soak up the savory custard and hold all those delicious layers together.
Step 3: Layer Up the Meats and Cheese
Now comes the fun part — take your ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese slices and layer them evenly over the bread cubes. The layering method helps ensure that each forkful gives you a perfect mix of savory meats and gooey cheese, creating a symphony of flavors with every bite.
Step 4: Add the Final Bread Layer
Top the meat and cheese with the remaining bread cubes. This seals in all the tasty layers beneath, and when the casserole bakes, these cubes soak up the egg mixture, giving the dish a wonderful custardy texture while holding everything neatly together.
Step 5: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Whisk together your eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture. This custard is what transforms the casserole into a dreamy, fluffy breakfast delight, while the maple syrup adds a special note of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory ingredients.
Step 6: Pour and Soak
Pour the egg mixture evenly over your bread, meat, and cheese layers in the dish. It’s important to let the custard soak into the bread cubes thoroughly — this step ensures every bite has that luscious, creamy texture you want in a breakfast casserole.
Step 7: Butter for the Perfect Finish
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This little touch adds richness and helps develop that inviting golden crust as the casserole bakes, giving you a beautiful finish both visually and in flavor.
Step 8: Bake Covered
Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The foil traps heat and moisture, allowing the casserole to bake evenly and set without drying out. This is when the flavors meld together beautifully inside the casserole.
Step 9: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly on top. This final baking phase lets the top crisp up nicely, providing a delightful contrast in texture to the soft custard underneath.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A playful sprinkle of powdered sugar on top paired with a small drizzle of additional maple syrup can amplify the Monte Cristo feel. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and a mild fresh flavor contrast that balances the sweet and savory layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside fresh fruit such as berries or sliced oranges to bring a refreshing brightness. A simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully for a balanced brunch spread that’s not too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the casserole into squares and serve on individual plates with small ramekins of dipping sauce, like Dijon mustard or a honey mustard blend, for dipping bites. You can also turn leftovers into handheld breakfast sandwiches for a portable treat that keeps the magic going.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes well, making it a fantastic option for busy mornings. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick snack or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture and melty cheese goodness. Cover loosely with foil while reheating in the oven to prevent over-browning.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of white bread?
Absolutely! While white bread soaks up the custard nicely and provides a classic texture, you can try brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread for different flavors and a heartier bite.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the recipe by omitting the meats and increasing the cheese or adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. This will give you a flavorful, meat-free version without losing that comforting breakfast feel.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the custard even more, which can make the final dish extra custardy and flavorful.
What can I substitute for maple syrup if I don’t have any?
If maple syrup isn’t on hand, honey or a mild agave syrup will work as alternatives, providing the right touch of sweetness to complement the savory ingredients.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when it’s golden brown on top and the egg custard is set and no longer jiggles in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and delicious about digging into a warm, cheesy, and slightly sweet breakfast casserole that reminds you of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich. This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a perfect blend of familiar flavors with the ease of a one-dish meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a leisurely weekend breakfast, it’s a dish that’s bound to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own—it might just become your new breakfast obsession!
Print
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory and sweet layered dish combining ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and bread with a custard made from eggs, milk, and maple syrup. Baked to golden perfection with melted butter on top, it offers a comforting breakfast option that serves 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of turkey
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
For the Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create bottom bread layer. Cut the bread slices into cubes and place half of the cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish to form the bottom layer.
- Layer meats and cheese. Arrange the slices of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese in layers over the bread cubes, ensuring even coverage.
- Add top bread layer. Cover the meat and cheese layers with the remaining bread cubes to create a layered casserole.
- Prepare egg custard. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour custard over casserole. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, meat, and cheese in the baking dish, allowing it to soak into the bread.
- Add melted butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole to add richness and promote browning.
- Bake covered. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the casserole to set and cook through.
- Bake uncovered. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Feel free to substitute turkey and ham with other deli meats of your choice.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving to set properly.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
