Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a decadent, savory-sweet brunch dish inspired by the classic sandwich. Layers of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and bread are baked in a rich custard, then lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or special mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old or slightly stale works best)
- 1/2 lb sliced ham, chopped
- 1/2 lb sliced turkey, chopped
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter, for greasing baking dish
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Raspberry or strawberry jam, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Layer the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle chopped ham, turkey, and shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the bread.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and meat.
- Press down gently to ensure bread absorbs the custard. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour (optional but helps it set).
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and custard is set.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm with raspberry or strawberry jam on the side for dipping.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for easy brunch. Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for variation. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: monte cristo casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch bake, ham and turkey casserole, swiss cheese casserole, holiday breakfast, overnight casserole