The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, turned into a cozy, baked dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. It combines layers of fluffy bread, ham, turkey, and melty cheese with a custard-like egg mixture, all baked until golden and slightly crispy on top. The casserole has that wonderful balance of savory and just a touch of sweet, often thanks to a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of jam on the side.
I love making this casserole when I want something that feels special but is still super easy to put together. It’s one of those meals that comes together the night before, which means less rushing in the morning—a lifesaver on busy weekends. For me, the best part is how the flavors mellow and blend overnight, making each bite rich and comforting. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, with everyone asking for seconds.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of fresh fruit and a little maple syrup or raspberry jam for dipping. It’s like having a warm, yummy sandwich and breakfast all rolled into one. If you’ve got family or friends coming over, this casserole is a great way to feed a group without standing over the stove all morning. I guarantee it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for special mornings, just like it is for me.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche is perfect here for its light, buttery texture that soaks up the custard nicely. If you can’t find brioche, white sandwich bread or even challah are great options. Avoid dense breads like whole wheat.
Meats: Ham and turkey give that classic Monte Cristo flavor. You can swap turkey for chicken or even cooked bacon if you prefer a smokier taste. Just chop into bite-sized pieces for easy layering.
Cheese: Swiss cheese melts well and adds a mild nuttiness. Gruyère can be a fun substitute if you want a richer flavor. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta or fresh mozzarella.
Egg Custard: The eggs mixed with milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla form a rich bath that soaks into the bread. Heavy cream makes it extra creamy but you can use all milk or half-and-half if you want it lighter.
How Do You Get the Bread Perfectly Soaked Without Getting Soggy?
Soaking the bread in the egg custard is key for a tender, flavorful casserole without turning it into a soggy mess. Here’s how I do it:
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help it hold structure without falling apart.
- Cut bread into uniform cubes so it soaks evenly.
- Press the bread gently into the custard after pouring so it absorbs the liquid well, but avoid mashing it.
- Cover with foil during baking to trap moisture, then remove foil near the end to get a golden crust.
This way, you get soft, custardy bread inside with a lightly crisped top that makes every bite satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the layers and bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl – large enough to whisk the egg custard smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs, milk, and spices into a creamy custard.
- Sharp knife – to cut the bread and meats into bite-sized pieces easily.
- Aluminum foil – essential for covering the casserole to keep moisture in while baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked shredded chicken for a lighter taste.
- Use cheddar or mozzarella instead of Swiss for a different cheese flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for some extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, slightly sweet note.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or white sandwich bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz sliced ham, chopped
- 8 oz sliced turkey or chicken breast, chopped
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing the baking dish
For Serving:
- Raspberry or strawberry jam, for drizzling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. Baking time is around 55 to 65 minutes, including covering and uncovering the casserole. After baking, give it 5 to 10 minutes to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Layers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Layer half of your cubed bread evenly at the bottom of the dish.
2. Add Meat and Cheese:
Scatter half of the chopped ham and turkey over the bread layer. Then sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese evenly on top.
3. Layer Remaining Ingredients:
Repeat by adding the remaining bread cubes followed by the leftover ham, turkey, and cheese.
4. Prepare and Pour Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour this custard evenly over the layered casserole. Press lightly to help bread soak it up.
5. Bake Covered and Uncovered:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Drizzle with raspberry or strawberry jam and sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy with fresh berries or fruit on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Bread for the Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the bread completely and pat it dry if it feels damp. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to soak up the custard without becoming soggy.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Meats or Cheese?
Definitely. You can swap turkey for chicken or use cooked bacon instead of ham. Cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère work well too—just select melting cheeses for best results.