Why Make This Recipe
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delicious blend of flavors that brings together the goodness of breakfast and the heartiness of a sandwich. It’s perfect for lazy weekends, family gatherings, or any day when you want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and eggs creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd, making it an excellent choice for brunch.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of turkey
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cut the bread slices into cubes and place half of them in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the bread cubes.
- Cover the layers with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread layers in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter on top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Serve this casserole warm from the oven. It goes well with a light fruit salad or some crispy bacon for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving for a sweet touch. Don’t forget to offer maple syrup on the side for drizzling!
How to Store Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
If you have leftovers, you can store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you prefer.
Tips to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
- Use day-old bread for best results. It absorbs the egg mixture better.
- For a richer flavor, let the casserole sit in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or meats based on your preference.
- Adjust the maple syrup to your taste for sweetness.
Variation
You can easily switch out the ham and turkey for smoked salmon or bacon. Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can also give the dish an extra nutrition boost.
FAQs
Can I use whole grain bread instead of white bread?
Yes, whole grain bread works well too and can add a nice flavor.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning.
Can I freeze Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delicious blend of breakfast flavors and hearty sandwich goodness, perfect for brunches and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of turkey
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cut the bread slices into cubes and place half of them in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the bread cubes.
- Cover the layers with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread layers in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter on top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture. You can prepare it the night before for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American