Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining savory ham and turkey with melty Swiss cheese and a touch of sweet maple syrup. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special breakfast, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of white bread
• 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of turkey
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cut the bread slices into cubes and place half of them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Layer the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese evenly over the bread cubes.
4. Step 4: Cover the layers with the remaining bread cubes.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat layers in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the melted butter on top of the casserole.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture.
• Substitute turkey and ham with cooked chicken or bacon if preferred.
• Use whole grain or sourdough bread for a heartier texture.
• Sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top before baking for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, preferably until the edges become crisp again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Can I freeze the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Wrap it well in foil or a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 57 reviews

A delicious Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole combining layers of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and bread soaked in a sweet and savory egg mixture, baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch that captures the flavors of the classic Monte Cristo sandwich in an easy-to-prepare casserole format.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 8 slices of white bread, cut into cubes

Meat and Cheese

• 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of turkey
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese

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

Topping

• 1/4 cup of melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking and to ensure easy serving.
2. Prepare the bread base. Cut the white bread slices into cubes. Place half of these cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the first layer of the casserole.
3. Layer meats and cheese. Evenly layer the slices of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the bread cubes, distributing them so every bite will have a balanced flavor.
4. Add the top bread layer. Cover the meat and cheese layers with the remaining bread cubes, spreading them evenly across the baking dish.
5. Mix the egg custard. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy to ensure an even soak.
6. Pour the egg mixture. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, meats, and cheese in the baking dish, allowing it to soak evenly into all layers.
7. Add melted butter. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole to add richness and help create a golden, crispy topping.
8. Bake covered. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step allows the dish to cook through without drying out.
9. Uncover and finish baking. Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven, baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
10. Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the egg mixture.
• This casserole can be prepared the night before; assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight then bake in the morning.
• Use day-old bread to avoid excess sogginess.
• You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free bread if preferred.
• Maple syrup can be adjusted to taste for sweetness balance.

Keywords: Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole, ham and cheese breakfast, turkey casserole, baked breakfast, easy brunch recipe