Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole brings together fluffy French bread, layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and cheddar cheese, all soaked in a rich egg custard. Baked to golden perfection and topped with powdered sugar and raspberry preserves, it’s a sweet and savory brunch masterpiece that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (16 oz) French bread, cut into ¼-inch cubes, divided
- ½ pound turkey, cut into ¼-inch cubes, divided (about 1½ cups)
- ½ pound ham, cut into ¼-inch cubes, divided (about 1½ cups)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
- Raspberry preserves, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Layer the ingredients: Add half the bread, then layer with half the turkey, ham, and cheeses. Repeat the layers.
- Mix the custard: Whisk together eggs and milk in a large bowl until smooth and combined.
- Soak the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Finish and serve: Let cool slightly, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve warm with raspberry preserves.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture—it absorbs the egg mixture without getting soggy.
- Let the casserole soak overnight for maximum flavor and structure.
- Shred cheese fresh for smoother melting.
- For a sweet twist, drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 285mg