Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, baked into a hearty breakfast dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd. It features layers of tender bread,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich, baked into a hearty breakfast dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It features layers of tender bread, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, all soaked in a rich egg custard and baked until golden and fluffy. The subtle sweetness from a hint of jam or powdered sugar brings that familiar Monte Cristo magic to every bite.
I love making this casserole for weekend mornings when there’s plenty of time to savor breakfast with family or friends. What makes it so great is that you can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning—no stress, just a warm, filling dish waiting for you. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it combines savory and sweet in such a comforting way, and who doesn’t love that mix first thing in the day?
One of my favorite ways to serve this casserole is with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee. The contrast between the crispy edges, gooey cheese, and soft, eggy bread keeps every bite exciting. Whether for a holiday brunch or a lazy Sunday, this dish has become a go-to in my kitchen for making mornings feel a little more special and a lot more tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah works best for their soft, slightly sweet texture. If you don’t have these, a thick white sandwich bread is a good substitute. Avoid dense breads like whole wheat as they won’t soak the custard as nicely.
Ham & Turkey: Use cooked, sliced ham and turkey for the classic flavor combo. You can swap turkey for chicken or skip the meat for a vegetarian version—extra cheese will help keep it hearty.
Swiss Cheese: It melts well and gives that nutty flavor classic to Monte Cristo. Gruyère makes a great alternative if you want a richer taste.
Egg Mixture: The eggs and milk form the custard that soaks into the bread. Whole milk is best for creaminess, but 2% works fine too. Vanilla and sugar add a subtle sweet balance to the savory layers.
How Do You Get the Perfect Casserole Texture?
The key to that soft, custardy texture is letting the bread soak up the egg mixture before baking.
- After pouring the egg mixture, gently press the bread cubes down; this helps them absorb the liquid fully.
- Let the dish sit for 15-20 minutes before baking—this resting time makes a big difference.
- Bake until the top is golden and the center is set but still moist—not dry.
This resting step makes sure every bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of creamy and soft.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to layer all ingredients evenly and bake the casserole through.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
- Whisk – helps combine the custard ingredients without lumps.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing bread, ham, turkey, and cheese.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of milk, sugar, and seasonings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked chicken breast when you want a slightly different, milder flavor.
- Use cheddar or mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss for a different cheese taste or meltiness.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the layers for an extra veggie boost and earthiness.
- Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon into the custard for a warm, cozy twist that plays well with the sweet and savory flavors.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 cups bread cubes (preferably brioche or challah)
- 8 ounces sliced cooked ham
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
For The Custard:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Topping & Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Raspberry or strawberry jam, for serving (optional)
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 15-20 minutes of soaking time for the bread to absorb the custard. Baking takes 45-55 minutes, and a few minutes to cool and dust before serving. Overall, plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Baking Dish and Bread Layers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
2. Add Meat and Cheese Layers:
Layer half of the ham on top of the bread, then half of the turkey, and half of the Swiss cheese slices. Repeat by adding the remaining bread cubes, then the rest of the ham, turkey, and cheese. Press lightly to compress the layers a bit.
3. Make the Custard and Soak the Casserole:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Press the bread gently to help it soak up the liquid. Let the dish sit for 15-20 minutes so the custard fully absorbs.
4. Bake and Finish:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Remove and cool slightly. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry or strawberry jam if you like for a sweet contrast.
Enjoy your delightful Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole with fresh fruit or a light salad for a wonderful brunch!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the bread completely and cut it into cubes before assembling. Slightly stale bread works even better as it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Can I Prepare the Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, pour the custard over, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the casserole moist and tasty.
What Can I Use Instead of Swiss Cheese?
Gruyère is a great substitute for a similar flavor, or try cheddar for a sharper taste. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the casserole creamy.
