The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful mix of sweet and savory that really wakes up your taste buds. Imagine layers of fluffy bread, tender ham, gooey melted cheese, and a touch of jam or powdered sugar that gives it that classic Monte Cristo twist. It’s like a breakfast and a brunch party all in one dish, full of comforting flavors and hearty textures.
I love making this casserole when I have guests over or when I want something a little special without standing over the stove for hours. It’s super easy to put together ahead of time, so it lets me enjoy the morning instead of rushing around. One little trick I’ve found is using a good quality bread and not skimping on the cheese—it really makes all the difference in the final dish.
Serve it up with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit on the side, and you’ve got a balanced meal that feels a bit indulgent but is totally satisfying. I find everyone loves how the sweet and salty flavors balance each other, and it’s wonderful to see smiles at the breakfast table. This casserole definitely makes weekend mornings feel a little extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French bread or brioche: Using day-old bread helps it soak up the egg mixture without turning mushy. Brioche adds a buttery flavor, but challah or any thick sandwich bread also works well.
Ham and bacon: These give the casserole that salty, meaty punch. Use cooked sausage or turkey bacon if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, try mushrooms and smoked cheese instead.
Swiss and cheddar cheese: Swiss melts beautifully and adds a mild nutty flavor, while cheddar brings sharpness. You can swap Swiss for Gruyère or mozzarella, depending on your taste.
Vanilla extract: This adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients. If you don’t have vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract works fine.
How Do I Get the Bread to Soak Up the Egg Without Becoming Soggy?
The key is to use day-old bread that’s slightly stale. It absorbs the liquid well and stays firm after baking.
- Cut your bread into cubes about 1-inch thick to hold their shape.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt thoroughly to create a smooth mixture.
- Press the bread gently into the egg mixture to ensure it soaks evenly.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before baking so the bread fully absorbs the custard.
Covering with foil while baking traps moisture and helps cook evenly, removing it near the end to get a golden top. This technique gives a soft center with a nice crust without sogginess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s perfect for a family or group and fits in most ovens.
- Large mixing bowl – keeps your eggs and milk mixed smoothly and makes pouring easier.
- Whisk – helps you blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla quickly and keeps everything smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for getting the right amounts of ingredients.
- Foil – covers the casserole during baking to keep it moist and prevent burning on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the ham for cooked turkey or chicken for a different flavor or use sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a veggie twist.
- Try a different cheese like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for extra spice or creaminess.
- Add a touch of Dijon mustard or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little extra zing.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme on top before baking to add fresh flavor.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 cups cubed French bread or brioche (day-old works best)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup cooked bacon pieces
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup or raspberry preserves, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-50 minutes to bake. After baking, allow 5-10 minutes to cool and set before serving. So, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Casserole Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray so the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Mixing the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture will soak the bread and bring the rich flavor to your casserole.
3. Layering the Ingredients:
Place half of your cubed bread evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the ham, bacon, Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese over this bread layer. Then, add the remaining bread cubes on top.
4. Combining and Baking:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid well. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ham, bacon, and cheeses evenly on top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Finishing the Bake:
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the casserole is fully set and golden on top. You’ll know it’s done when you see a lightly browned crust and the center is firm.
6. Cooling and Serving:
Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes to help it set for easier slicing. When ready to serve, dust lightly with powdered sugar if you like, and drizzle with maple syrup or raspberry preserves for a lovely touch of sweetness.
This breakfast casserole beautifully mixes savory ham and bacon with sweet hints of vanilla and maple syrup, making it a special treat for any morning gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for French Bread or Brioche?
You can use challah, sourdough, or any dense sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s slightly dry or day-old so it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Add Vegetables or Different Meats?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also swap ham and bacon for sausage, turkey bacon, or even a vegetarian option like smoked cheese and veggies.