Alright, come on in! Let me tell you about a recipe that’s become an absolute lifesaver – and a total crowd-pleaser – in my house: a monte cristo breakfast casserole. Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, the smell of coffee is brewing, and instead of slaving over a hot stove flipping pancakes, you pull out a pan filled with golden-brown, cheesy goodness.

This monte cristo breakfast casserole is exactly that! It’s savory, it’s sweet, it’s incredibly satisfying, and honestly, even my pickiest eater devours it. We were invited to a brunch last year and I wanted to make something everyone could enjoy. I was thinking of things that would be a huge hit and decided to create this monte cristo breakfast casserole. The next morning everyone was raving about how good the monte cristo breakfast casserole was. Ever since that day I knew I had to have this monte cristo breakfast casserole available for my guest on my blog.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: a monte cristo breakfast casserole? Is that even a thing? Trust me, it is, and it’s magical. It all started a few years ago when I was trying to find a way to use up some leftover ham after the holidays. I was tired of the same old ham sandwiches, and I wanted something a little more exciting. Then, I remembered the classic Monte Cristo sandwich – that fried ham and cheese delight, often dusted with powdered sugar.

The first time I made this monte cristo breakfast casserole, I was a little nervous. I wasn’t sure if the flavors would all come together, but boy, was I wrong! The combination of the savory ham and cheese with the sweetness of the French toast-like bread is just incredible. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, even on a busy weekday morning. You just assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and voila! A delicious, satisfying breakfast that everyone will love.

This monte cristo breakfast casserole is now a staple in our house for so many reasons. It’s perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special but don’t want to spend all morning in the kitchen. It’s also a lifesaver when we have unexpected guests. And, let’s be honest, it’s just plain delicious! This monte cristo breakfast casserole is one of my most requested recipes, so grab a spoon and dig in with me!

I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house!

Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this amazing monte cristo breakfast casserole. This is where you can really customize it to your family’s tastes, but I’ll share what works best for us.

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1 loaf of Challah or Brioche bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes: I usually grab a loaf from the bakery section of my local grocery store. Challah is my personal favorite because it’s so soft and slightly sweet. I will cut the loaf of bread the night before making the monte cristo breakfast casserole, so it is already prepared for the next day.

8 large eggs: Now, I always buy large, brown eggs. I am not sure if they make a difference but my grandmother told me they are always the best to buy, and she knows best!
1 1/2 cups milk: I use whole milk because it makes the monte cristo breakfast casserole extra rich and creamy, but you can certainly use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This is my little secret weapon for making the casserole super decadent.

1/4 cup maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. You can also use honey if that’s what you have on hand.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Don’t skip this! It adds a warm, comforting note that really elevates the monte cristo breakfast casserole.

1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little bit of pepper is a must for the perfect monte cristo breakfast casserole.
8 ounces cooked ham, diced: I usually buy a pre-cooked ham steak from the deli counter and dice it up. But leftover holiday ham works great too! If you’re looking for another leftover ham recipe you can check out this taco crock pot hashbrown casserole

4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded: I love the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese in this monte cristo breakfast casserole. But you can also use Gruyere, or even a combination of Swiss and Gruyere.
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded: This cheese mixed with the swiss is one of my favorite combinations in the monte cristo breakfast casserole.
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): This is what really makes it feel like a Monte Cristo sandwich!

Maple syrup, for serving (optional): I mean, can you ever have too much maple syrup?

I buy the cheeses in blocks and shred them myself because I find that it melts better than the pre-shredded stuff. I always have some type of cheese in my fridge so creating this monte cristo breakfast casserole isn’t hard! Make sure you have all the ingredients before you start making the monte cristo breakfast casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This monte cristo breakfast casserole is so easy to put together, I promise.

Preparing Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

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Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish: I use cooking spray, but you can also use butter. Make sure to grease it well, so the casserole doesn’t stick.
Arrange half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared dish: Spread them out evenly. Don’t worry if they overlap a little.

Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of the shredded cheese over the bread: I like to make sure the ham and cheese are evenly distributed.
Top with the remaining bread cubes, ham, and cheese: It should be a nice, even layer.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, nutmeg, salt, and pepper: Make sure everything is well combined. This is the custard that will soak into the bread and make the monte cristo breakfast casserole so delicious.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese: Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to make sure they are fully submerged in the custard. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of liquid – the bread will soak it up as it sits. If you are looking for more casseroles to make that are easy try this dump and bake chicken tzatziki casserole
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight: This is the key to a really good monte cristo breakfast casserole. Letting it sit overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a super moist and flavorful casserole.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Remove the plastic wrap from the dish.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and puffed up, and the custard is set: A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The top of the monte cristo breakfast casserole will be golden and beautiful!
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving: This will help it set up a bit more. You can make the monte cristo breakfast casserole at any time.
Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired: This is totally optional, but it really adds that classic Monte Cristo touch.

Slice and serve: Get ready for rave reviews!

I have learned the hard way that you need to make sure your oven is always preheated. This step ensures that your monte cristo breakfast casserole comes out just perfect.

Serving Ideas

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing monte cristo breakfast casserole hot out of the oven – now what? Well, first of all, take a moment to admire your handiwork! It’s going to look and smell incredible!

When it comes to serving, I like to keep things simple. This monte cristo breakfast casserole is pretty rich and filling on its own, so you don’t need a ton of sides. My family loves a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. You can also serve it with some fresh fruit, like berries or melon.

If you want to get a little fancier, you can serve the monte cristo breakfast casserole with a side of hollandaise sauce or a berry compote. But honestly, it’s delicious just as it is!

I usually slice the casserole into squares and let everyone help themselves. I always put out a bowl of powdered sugar and a bottle of maple syrup, so people can add as much or as little as they like. And don’t forget the coffee! A warm cup of coffee is the perfect accompaniment to this monte cristo breakfast casserole.

This monte cristo breakfast casserole is perfect for so many occasions. It’s great for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even just a special weekday breakfast. And it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.

I like to top my monte cristo breakfast casserole with powdered sugar for decoration. It just gives it a really nice look and some added sweetness, and it tastes delicious!

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this monte cristo breakfast casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Assembling the casserole the night before and letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the bread to really soak up the custard, resulting in a much more flavorful and moist casserole. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Can I use different types of bread? Yes! While I love using challah or brioche bread, you can definitely use other types of bread. French bread, croissants, or even regular white bread will work in this monte cristo breakfast casserole. Just make sure to cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
Can I substitute the ham? Of course! If you don’t like ham, you can use turkey, chicken, or even bacon in this monte cristo breakfast casserole. You can also leave out the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.

Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Swiss and Gruyere are my go-to cheeses for this casserole, but you can use any type of cheese you like. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would be delicious in this monte cristo breakfast casserole.
How do I store leftovers? Leftover monte cristo breakfast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze this casserole, but the texture may change slightly. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. Be sure to read these external links on food safety guidelines for egg casseroles

My casserole is getting too brown on top. What should I do? If your casserole is getting too brown on top, you can tent it with aluminum foil. Just loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking as directed.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes, you can make this casserole dairy-free by using dairy-free milk, heavy cream, and cheese substitutes. Just make sure to choose products that you like the taste of.
What is the history of the Monte Cristo sandwich? The history of the Monte Cristo sandwich is interesting! This external link helps explain the monte cristo breakfast casserole origin Brief history of the Monte Cristo Sandwich

If you can follow these simple tips you should have no problem creating your own monte cristo breakfast casserole.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! My go-to monte cristo breakfast casserole recipe. I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s truly one of my favorite things to make!

Enjoying Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

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This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It’s a memory-maker, a time-saver, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a hungry family, or just looking for a special breakfast treat, this monte cristo breakfast casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Here are a few final tips to keep in mind:

Always use good quality ingredients: It really makes a difference in the flavor of the casserole.

Don’t overbake it: You want the custard to be set, but you don’t want the casserole to be dry.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving: This will help it set up and make it easier to slice.
Serve with your favorite toppings: Powdered sugar and maple syrup are classic, but you can also get creative with other toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This recipe is easily adaptable!

You can also use different cheeses for a new twist, or if you like a little heat throw some jalapenos into the monte cristo breakfast casserole.

I love this dish because it brings my family together, and its flavors are so delicious! Give this monte cristo breakfast casserole recipe a try sometime. I am confident you will love it as much as I do! Let me know what you think in the comments!

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! This monte cristo breakfast casserole has been a huge hit in my household. Remember to check out my other recipes on the blog. Try another fun breakfast casserole recipe like this taco casserole. I linked it here for you taco crock pot hashbrown casserole

Amazing Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole: 10 Easy Steps

Print Recipe

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole takes the classic sandwich and transforms it into an easy breakfast bake. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays, brunch, or any special occasion!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 50
Total Time: 65
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound cooked ham, cubed
1/2 pound Swiss cheese, shredded

6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Place half of the bread cubes in the dish, followed by the ham and Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the bread mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.

Notes

For best results, use challah bread. It soaks up the custard beautifully! You can also substitute other types of bread, such as brioche or French bread. Feel free to add other ingredients, such as cooked bacon or different types of cheese.