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
Scale
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.
