This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole combines layers of bread, ham, and cheese, all soaked in a creamy egg mixture. It’s a tasty twist on a classic sandwich!
Perfect for brunch or a cozy family breakfast, this dish is easy to make. Just bake it up in the oven and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness. Who could resist seconds? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah are the best choices for their soft texture and slight sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try whole wheat or sourdough. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the egg mixture!
Ham: Cooked ham gives a nice savory flavor. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey ham or even cooked bacon can be great substitutes. You could also try a vegetarian option by replacing it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but you can swap it for cheddar for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just remember that each cheese will slightly change the overall flavor.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes the casserole rich, but you can swap it for half-and-half or whole milk if you’re looking to cut back on calories. Unsweetened almond milk can work too for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Well Soaked?
Soaking the bread is key to achieving that pleasing texture in your casserole. To get it just right:
- Mix the egg mixture thoroughly so all ingredients are combined well.
- After pouring the mixture over the bread, gently press down on the bread cubes. This helps them soak up all the liquid.
- For best results, refrigerating overnight is a great idea. This allows the bread to soak longer and absorb more flavor.
Once baked, a little patience allows it to cool slightly before serving—this helps everything bind together nicely!
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 8 cups bread cubes (preferably brioche or challah)
- 1/2 pound cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Egg Mixture:
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing the pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and, depending on whether you refrigerate it overnight or just for an hour, you’ll need an additional 50 minutes to bake. So, plan for around 1 hour and 10 minutes to get everything ready and cooked!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Baking Dish:
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your casserole comes out easily after baking.
2. Mixing the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Give it a good mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Whisking the Egg Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Assembling the Casserole:
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese mixture. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the liquid and becomes saturated.
5. Refrigeration Time:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want even richer flavor.
6. Baking the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake covered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Perfecting the Top:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for that sweet touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice into squares, serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole with friends or family!
This casserole is not just about flavor; it’s about creating wonderful memories around the breakfast table. Enjoy every bite! 🥂
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah work best for their texture and sweetness, you can use any sturdy bread such as sourdough or whole wheat. Adjust the soaking time depending on how absorbent the bread is.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Just make sure to use a dairy-free cheese substitute if you want to keep it completely dairy-free.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk while reheating to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as per the recipe instructions!