Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

The first time I encountered a Monte Cristo sandwich, I couldn't wrap my head around the concept. Ham and turkey with Swiss cheese was familiar enough, but the powdered sugar dusting on top felt like someone had made a mistake. Then I took that first bite and something magical happened.

Last Christmas morning, my sister's family arrived unexpectedly and suddenly I needed to feed eight people with minimal fuss. This casserole saved the day and has now become our holiday tradition, with everyone fighting over the corners where the cheese gets extra crispy.

Ingredients

• Brioche or challah bread: These egg rich breads have the perfect structure to absorb the custard without turning into mush
• Whole milk and eggs: The foundation of that French toast style filling that binds everything together
• Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that classic nutty flavor we associate with Monte Cristos
• Cream cheese: Little cubes scattered throughout create these incredible creamy pockets throughout the casserole
• Ham and turkey: Use good quality deli meat, diced small so every bite gets both proteins
• Raspberry preserves: This is the secret that ties everything together with that signature sweet tart finish
• Dijon mustard: Just enough to cut through the richness and add a subtle depth
• Powdered sugar: The final flourish that makes this unmistakably a Monte Cristo

Instructions

Prep your baking dish:

Butter a 9x13 inch dish thoroughly while preheating your oven to 350°F

Whisk the custard:

Combine eggs, milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper until the mixture is completely smooth

Build the first layer:

Arrange half your bread cubes, then scatter with half the ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese pieces

Add the sweetness:

Drop spoonfuls of raspberry preserves across the surface so you get those jammy pockets throughout

Repeat and finish:

Layer everything again, then slowly pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole

Let it rest:

Cover and refrigerate at least an hour so the bread can drink up all that custard

Bake to perfection:

Cover with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown

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When I pull this from the oven, the whole house smells like a French toast brunch and a melting pot sandwich shop collided in the best possible way. Watching guests discover that powdered sugar on top never gets old.

Make It Your Own

Swiss cheese is traditional, but I have made this with Gruyère for a sharper bite and it was absolutely divine. The key is using a cheese that melts well rather than something too oily or crumbly.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich enough to stand alone, but a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness beautifully. For brunch, some fresh berries on the side balance all the savory elements.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep remarkably well for up to three days and actually reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. The flavors continue to meld, making yesterday's breakfast somehow even more delicious the next morning.

• Set a reminder to take the casserole out of the fridge while the oven preheats
• Room temperature casserole bakes more evenly than cold from the fridge
• Keep extra powdered sugar nearby for that fresh dusting right before serving

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There is something deeply satisfying about turning a beloved sandwich into a breakfast casserole that feeds everyone at once. Now every time I serve this, someone asks for the recipe before they have even finished their first helping.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, this dish actually benefits from overnight refrigeration. The bread absorbs more of the egg custard, resulting in a creamier texture and more developed flavors. Simply assemble, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

→ What makes this different from a traditional breakfast casserole?

The Monte Cristo inspiration brings distinctive elements: the combination of ham and turkey meats, Swiss cheese, raspberry preserves for sweetness, and the finishing dusting of powdered sugar. These flavors mimic the classic sandwich while adapting to a casserole format.

→ Can I substitute the brioche bread?

Challah works beautifully as an alternative. French bread or thick-cut white bread can be used, though they may be slightly less rich. Avoid very dense breads that won't absorb the custard properly.

→ Why is there powdered sugar on a savory breakfast dish?

Monte Cristo sandwiches are traditionally dusted with powdered sugar, creating that signature sweet-savory contrast. The sugar pairs with the raspberry preserves to balance the salty ham and turkey, just like the original sandwich.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is finished when it's golden brown on top, set in the center (no liquid custard visible), and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, cut into portions, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through.