Can I make the Easy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is designed to be a make-ahead marvel. You can assemble the entire dish, pour the custard over the bread, cover it, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, ensuring a tender, flavorful result when baked.

What kind of bread is best for this Easy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

For the best texture and flavor, we highly recommend using a rich, slightly dense bread like brioche or challah. These breads soak up the custard beautifully without becoming soggy and bake up with a golden crust and soft interior. Thick-cut Texas toast or day-old artisan white bread can also work in a pinch.

What can I serve with this Easy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

The classic accompaniments are a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry or strawberry jam for dipping, which perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors. You can also serve it with a fresh fruit salad, a side of bacon or sausage, or even a light green salad for brunch.

Can I use different cheeses or meats in my Easy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

Yes, you can customize it! While Gruyere and ham are traditional, feel free to experiment. Swiss cheese is a natural substitute for Gruyere. For meat, thinly sliced cooked turkey breast works well, or you could even add a layer of crumbled, cooked bacon for a smoky twist. Just ensure any substitutions complement the sweet and savory profile.

Easy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole: 10 Steps to Brunch

Name: Easy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14-16 ounce) loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices; 12 ounces thinly sliced deli ham; 8 ounces thinly sliced Gruyere or Swiss cheese; 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Raspberry or strawberry jam, for serving

Ingredients

Scale

1 (14-16 ounce) loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
12 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
8 ounces thinly sliced Gruyere or Swiss cheese
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Raspberry or strawberry jam, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Arrange half of the bread slices in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Layer the sliced ham and Gruyere cheese evenly over the bread.
Step 4: Place the remaining bread slices over the ham and cheese layer.
Step 5: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 6: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish, making sure all the bread is saturated. Gently press down on the bread.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 8: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam.

Notes

For best results, allow the casserole to soak overnight. This ensures the bread fully absorbs the custard, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish. Serve with your favorite berry jam for the classic Monte Cristo experience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Savory Breakfasts
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of casserole)
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: Monte Cristo casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast, ham and cheese casserole, French toast casserole, savory breakfast, easy breakfast, holiday brunch, brioche casserole

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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