Irresistible Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly morning, enveloping you in layers of savory ham, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table with eager anticipation.

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This delightful dish is perfect for those lazy weekend brunches or holiday gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen. What could be better than a breakfast that feels like a gourmet treat but is still simple enough for anyone to whip up?

Ingredients for Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bread: Use thick-sliced white or brioche bread for the best texture; it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.

• Ham: Opt for deli-style ham; its saltiness complements the sweetness of the French toast elements.

• Swiss Cheese: This creamy cheese melts perfectly and adds that classic flavor profile we all love.

• Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for binding everything together; they create that rich custard base.

• Milk: Whole milk gives the casserole its creamy consistency; feel free to substitute with plant-based milk if preferred.

• Dijon Mustard: Just a hint adds depth and balances the richness of the dish.

• Cinnamon: A pinch enhances the sweet notes while complementing the savory aspects beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Start by preparing your bread base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, cut your bread into cubes and place them evenly in a greased baking dish. This creates a sturdy foundation that’s ready to soak up all that delicious egg mixture.

Next comes the layering: Sprinkle diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese generously over your cubed bread. Don’t be shy—this is where flavor really starts to build! The combination of these ingredients will have you dreaming of cozy breakfasts.

Now let’s whip up that egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy—like liquid gold waiting to transform your casserole into something magical.

Pour that luscious egg mixture evenly over the bread layer: As you do this, gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula or your hands to help them soak in all that goodness. Visualize each cube absorbing every bit of flavor!

Let it rest: Allow your casserole to sit for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This resting time helps everything meld together beautifully; you want those flavors to mingle like old friends at a reunion!

Bake it until golden: Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until it’s puffed up and golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen like a warm invitation for breakfast.

Final touches: Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve hot with maple syrup drizzled over each piece if you’re feeling indulgent! The contrast between savory and sweet will blow your mind!

And there you have it—Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole! A dish that not only satisfies but also brings people together around the breakfast table with smiles—and maybe even some spontaneous dance moves while you wait for it to cool down!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by whisking together eggs and milk in one bowl while you layer bread, meats, and cheese in a baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top and let it soak before baking. This ensures every bite is filled with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this casserole! Swap out turkey for chicken, add sautéed spinach for an extra veggie kick, or sprinkle in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. The options are endless.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s just as tasty the next day!

Sometimes I whip up this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole for family gatherings, and watching everyone dive in is always a joy. The smiles and satisfied groans say it all—this dish is a winner!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

To prepare a delicious Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole, you will need essential ingredients such as eggs, milk, bread (preferably brioche or challah), ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Gathering these ingredients will set the foundation for a flavorful dish that combines sweet and savory tastes. Be sure to check your pantry for any extras that might enhance the casserole’s flavor profile.

How long does it take to make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

Preparing the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 45 minutes in the oven. The total time from start to finish is approximately one hour. You can save time by prepping the casserole the night before and letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making your morning routine easier on busy days.

Can I make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily prepare the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients in a baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge and bake it as per the recipe instructions. This makes it a perfect choice for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts when you want to spend more time with family and friends instead of cooking.

Is Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole freezes well for up to three months. To freeze it, ensure it is cooled completely after baking. Then cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through. This makes for a convenient breakfast option on busy mornings.

Conclusion for Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole :

The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is an indulgent yet simple dish that combines layers of savory ham and turkey with rich Swiss cheese and fluffy bread soaked in egg custard. Perfectly suited for breakfast or brunch gatherings, this casserole can be made ahead of time or even frozen for later use. With its delightful blend of flavors, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while making your morning routine more enjoyable. Enjoy this tasty twist on a classic sandwich as part of your next meal!

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Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together layers of savory ham, turkey, and gooey Swiss cheese, all baked in fluffy brioche bread soaked in a rich egg custard. Perfect for brunch or cozy family breakfasts, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 slices thick-sliced brioche bread
• 1 cup deli-style ham, diced
• 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cut brioche bread into cubes and layer them evenly in the prepared dish.
3. Sprinkle diced ham, turkey, and shredded cheese over the bread.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients and gently press down on the bread to help it soak.
6. Allow the casserole to rest for 15-20 minutes before baking.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until puffed and golden brown on top.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed spinach or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.