The Coziest Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe Ever

Mornings light up with this delectable Monte Cristo breakfast casserole that promises pure comfort.

Ham and cheese dance together in layers of golden-baked goodness.

Fluffy eggs embrace crispy bread cubes with surprising tenderness.

Weekend brunch feels instantly special when you slice into this cheesy masterpiece.

French-inspired flavors whisper delightful memories of classic sandwiches reimagined.

Crisp edges and melted centers make each bite irresistibly satisfying.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this morning marvel.

Dive into this recipe and transform your breakfast routine forever.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Brunch Styles

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace croissants with gluten-free bread or cauliflower crust, using turkey ham for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Breakfast Delight: Swap ham with roasted vegetable medley like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using plant-based cheese alternative.
• Low-Carb Morning Feast: Substitute croissants with cauliflower rice or scrambled egg base, adding spinach and goat cheese for extra nutrition.
• Mediterranean Inspired Casserole: Use feta cheese instead of Swiss, add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs like oregano, replace ham with prosciutto or roasted chicken.

FAQs

• What are croissants and why use them in this casserole?

Croissants are buttery, flaky French pastries that add richness and texture to the casserole. Their delicate layers absorb the custard perfectly, creating a luxurious breakfast dish with a soft, custardy interior and crispy edges.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven, which makes it ideal for holiday breakfasts or busy mornings.

• Is it okay to substitute ingredients?

You can swap ham for turkey or bacon, and Swiss cheese for cheddar or Gruyère. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the right balance of flavors and texture in the casserole.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when it’s golden brown on top, slightly puffy, and set in the center. When you gently shake the dish, there should be no liquid movement, indicating the custard has fully cooked.

Monte Cristo Casserole That’s Sweet and Savory in One

• Elevate Weekend Brunch: Transform ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience with this stunning Monte Cristo casserole that impresses guests effortlessly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and simply pop into the oven in the morning for a stress-free, delicious meal without morning chaos.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic Monte Cristo sandwich flavors into a shareable casserole that delights both kids and adults with its sweet-savory combination of ham, cheese, and powdered sugar.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday gatherings.

What You’ll Fill in a Monte Cristo Breakfast Bake

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky base for the casserole, providing rich texture and absorbing custard.
• Ham: Classic protein that adds savory flavor, best when using high-quality deli or leftover ham.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that complements ham with smooth, nutty notes.

• Eggs: Binding agent creating rich, creamy texture for the casserole.
• Milk: Provides liquid base for custard, whole milk recommended for fuller flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky consistency to the dish.

• Dijon Mustard: Subtle tangy flavor that enhances overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for sweet finish, classic Monte Cristo garnish.
• Raspberry Jam: Traditional accompaniment, adding bright, fruity contrast.

Monte Cristo Casserole Breakfast Instructions

Step 1: Grease and Warm the Oven

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Turn the oven to 375°F, allowing it to fully heat while you prepare the casserole.

Step 2: Create the Delicious Base Layer

Arrange the first half of croissant pieces across the bottom of the baking dish.

Top with a hearty layer of sliced ham and shredded Swiss cheese.

Repeat the process with the remaining croissant pieces, creating a delectable double-layered foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Custard

In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and combine with milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well-blended, creating a rich and silky custard mixture.

Step 4: Drench and Rest the Casserole

Pour the custard evenly over the layered croissants, ensuring every piece gets saturated.

Allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes, letting the bread soak up all the delicious flavors.

For maximum taste, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center sets completely.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve with Flair

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the casserole.

Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by a side of sweet raspberry jam for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Breakfast Casserole Tips for Monte Cristo Style

• Arrange croissant pieces, ham, and cheese in even layers to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Swap croissants with day-old brioche or challah for a different twist while maintaining the rich, buttery base.
• Refrigerating the casserole before baking allows ingredients to fully absorb the custard, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
• Pat ham slices dry to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy and compromising the texture.
• Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious meat-free version that maintains the casserole's creamy, indulgent profile.

Monte Cristo Casserole Reheat Plan

• Securely wrap leftover casserole in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the dish fresh and delicious.
• Carefully place cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks, preserving its flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Cut desired portion and place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.

Breakfast Pairings for Monte Cristo Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Mimosa: Brighten the rich casserole with a zesty orange-champagne cocktail that cuts through the creamy, cheesy layers and adds morning celebration.
• Jazz Up with Fresh Berry Compote: Craft a quick homemade berry sauce using raspberries, strawberries, and a touch of honey to complement the powdered sugar and enhance the jammy notes.
• Serve Alongside Citrus Salad: Create a light, tangy side with mixed citrus segments like grapefruit, orange, and mandarin to balance the casserole's decadent texture and provide refreshing contrast.
• Match with Cold Brew Coffee: Brew a smooth, chilled coffee with subtle chocolate undertones that harmonizes with the Swiss cheese and ham's savory profile while cutting through the rich custard.

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful monte cristo breakfast casserole blends French toast charm with hearty sandwich layers, creating a morning masterpiece that delights breakfast enthusiasts. Cheesy, crispy edges and rich ham-turkey filling make you crave each comforting, golden-brown bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) deli ham, sliced
• 6 large eggs

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Bread and Seasonings:

• 6 large croissants, torn into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• Powdered sugar
• Raspberry jam

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Instructions

1. Grease a spacious rectangular baking vessel and warm the oven to a precise temperature of 375°F.
2. Construct the initial layer by gently spreading croissant fragments across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform base.
3. Delicately arrange thin slices of ham across the croissant pieces, followed by a generous scattering of Swiss cheese.
4. Replicate the layering process with remaining croissant pieces, ensuring complete coverage of the previous ham and cheese stratum.
5. Craft a rich custard mixture by vigorously whisking eggs with milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and seasoning until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Carefully cascade the custard mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring every croissant piece becomes thoroughly saturated.
7. Allow the casserole to rest and absorb the liquid for a minimum of 10 minutes, or ideally refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor integration.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, baking for 25 minutes to establish a solid foundation.
9. Remove the foil covering and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, enticing complexion.
10. Once removed from the oven, gracefully dust the casserole with a delicate layer of powdered sugar.
11. Serve immediately alongside a vibrant raspberry jam for a delightful accompaniment.

Notes

• Bread Choice Matters: Opt for day-old croissants or brioche for maximum flavor absorption and a richer texture that elevates the entire casserole.
• Overnight Magic: Refrigerating the casserole before baking allows ingredients to meld together, creating deeper, more complex flavors and a perfectly custardy consistency.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap ham with turkey, bacon, or vegetarian alternatives like plant-based deli slices to accommodate different dietary preferences and taste profiles.
• Jam Pairing Tip: Experiment with different fruit preserves like strawberry, apricot, or orange marmalade to complement the savory-sweet balance of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg