If you have a soft spot for rich, comforting breakfasts that feel like a special occasion, then this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a beautiful blend of savory ham and Swiss cheese embraced by custardy, mustard-infused eggs and nestled into perfectly toasted French bread cubes. Baking all of these flavors together creates a golden, melty casserole that practically melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a festive holiday morning, this dish brings hearty satisfaction with every bite and a touch of elegance without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of creamy texture, savory flavor, and subtle tang. You likely have most of these staples already, which makes it a breeze to pull together.
- 4 large eggs: The base of your custard, providing richness and structure to the casserole.
- 360 ml fat-free half & half: Adds creaminess while keeping the dish lighter than full cream alternatives.
- 7.5 ml Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens up the mixture.
- Pinch of ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the egg custard.
- Salt, to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper, to taste: Provides a little kick and balances the richness.
- 180 g stale French bread, cubed: Stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
- 255 g ham, diced: Brings savory saltiness and meaty texture, the star protein of the recipe.
- 180 g Swiss cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that classic nutty and creamy finish.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Ensures easy release of the casserole after baking.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating the oven to 175°C so it’s ready when you finish mixing up your ingredients. Lightly coat a 20×20 cm or 23×23 cm baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking and to make cleanup easier. This small prep step makes a big difference later on.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, fat-free half & half, Dijon mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. This creates the flavorful custard that binds the casserole and delivers such a deliciously creamy texture after baking. Whisk until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Bread Cubes
Add the cubed stale French bread to your egg mixture and gently stir until every piece is coated with the custard. Using slightly stale bread is key here because it absorbs the custard without turning too soggy, giving the casserole that wonderful soft yet structured bite.
Step 4: Fold in Ham and Cheese
Next, carefully fold in the diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture, so each bite offers a perfect balance of melty cheese and savory ham. This step infuses the whole dish with those iconic Monte Cristo flavors you love.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese on top is fully melted. The casserole will puff slightly and smell irresistible as it cooks.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for several minutes. This resting period helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve. Serve it warm, and for an extra touch of sweetness and traditional charm, try it with a side of raspberry preserves. It’s a delightful contrast to the savory layers and truly elevates the experience.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh herbs (think chopped parsley or chives) add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to cut through the richness. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can also recreate the classic Monte Cristo sandwich vibe, especially when paired with raspberry preserves nearby on the plate.
Side Dishes
Complement this casserole with light sides such as fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These refreshing sides balance the casserole’s decadence wonderfully, adding brightness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch centerpiece, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. This personal touch allows each guest to enjoy their own perfectly portioned serving. You can also drizzle warm maple syrup over slices or serve it alongside a dollop of creamy yogurt for a surprising twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days—ideal for quick breakfasts or lunches during a busy week.
Freezing
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes well. After baking, cool it completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 175°C for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and edges regain a slight crispness. For a faster option, individual slices can be reheated in the microwave, but the oven method helps maintain the delightful texture best.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread instead of French bread?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional due to its texture and crumb, slightly stale Italian or sourdough bread also works well. Just be sure the bread isn’t too soft or fresh, or the casserole might become mushy.
Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard in this recipe?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor, making the casserole taste more authentic. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of yellow mustard, but the flavor profile will be a little different.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble it the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. This method actually allows the bread to absorb more custard, sometimes making the casserole even more flavorful.
What is the best cheese for this dish?
Swiss cheese is a classic choice because of its nuttiness and excellent melting qualities. However, Gruyère or Jarlsberg are great alternatives if you want to switch things up while keeping that creamy texture and rich taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or plant-based meat alternatives. The casserole remains just as satisfying, and you still get that lovely combination of cheese and egg custard flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a showstopper that’s easy enough to make any morning but elegant enough to impress guests. It’s a beautiful marriage of simple ingredients that deliver big on flavor and comfort. Give it a try for your next brunch or holiday breakfast—you might find it becoming a beloved tradition in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
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Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, combining eggs, ham, Swiss cheese, and French bread into a savory baked dish that’s perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast. The custardy texture and melty cheese create a comforting, flavorful meal easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 360 ml fat-free half & half
- 7.5 ml Dijon mustard
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 180 g stale French bread, cubed
- 255 g ham, diced
- 180 g Swiss cheese, shredded
Other
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly coat the interior of a 20×20 cm or 23×23 cm baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Mix Eggs and Seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 360 ml fat-free half & half, 7.5 ml Dijon mustard, a pinch of ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until everything is fully blended and smooth.
- Combine Bread with Egg Mixture: Add 180 g of cubed stale French bread to the egg mixture and stir gently to ensure all pieces of bread are evenly coated with the egg mixture, allowing for absorption.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Fold in 255 g diced ham and 180 g shredded Swiss cheese into the mixture, evenly distributing these ingredients throughout the bread and egg base.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the prepared mixture into the oiled baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are nicely golden and the cheese on top has melted completely.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool and set for several minutes. Slice and serve warm, optionally accompanied by raspberry preserves for a sweet contrast.
Notes
- Using stale French bread helps it absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
- Fat-free half & half keeps the casserole lighter while maintaining creaminess.
- Raspberry preserves on the side add a traditional sweet touch reminiscent of classic Monte Cristo sandwiches.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then baked fresh in the morning.
- For a richer flavor, substitute fat-free half & half with whole milk or cream if preferred.
