Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 580 mg
Why Make This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole combines the delightful flavors of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich in a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast dish. Imagine the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you bake a casserole filled with layers of golden bread, savory turkey or ham, and gooey cheese. This dish is perfect for a brunch gathering, a holiday breakfast, or even a cozy family meal. It’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd, allowing you to savor precious moments with loved ones rather than spend all your time in the kitchen.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Follow this simple guide, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast casserole ready to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sliced turkey or ham
- 1/2 cup sliced cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Layering the Bread
Cut the bread into cubes and place half of them in the prepared baking dish. Spread them evenly, allowing for good coverage.
Step 3: Adding the Fillings
Layer the sliced turkey or ham and cheese on top of the bread cubes. Then, add the remaining bread cubes to create a hearty, layered structure.
Step 4: Mixing the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour this rich mixture over the layered bread, making sure all pieces are soaked thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Baking the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps to soften the bread as it cooks through.
Step 6: Finalizing the Bake
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The nice crispy top adds an appealing texture to every bite.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust each serving with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for that extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
This casserole shines as a centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch table. Serve it warm, paired with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. Don’t forget the maple syrup on the side, giving everyone the option to drizzle as much as they like!
How to Store Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions for a quick treat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
- Use stale bread for a better texture. Day-old brioche or challah absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- Feel free to customize the meats and cheeses based on your preference—ham and cheddar work well, but turkey and Swiss are equally delicious.
- Allow the casserole to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set, making it easier to cut into neat portions.
Delicious Variations
- Veggie Monte Cristo: Swap out the meat for sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Sweet Version: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas between the bread layers for a fruity twist.
- Gourmet Touch: Incorporate different cheeses such as brie or gouda for a richer flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and bake it in the morning. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from the refrigerator.
2. What type of bread is best?
Brioche and challah are the best choices due to their texture and sweetness, but you can also use any thick-sliced bread.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and check all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
5. What can I serve alongside the casserole?
Fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light green salad are excellent accompaniments.
Conclusion
The Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is not only a delightful dish bursting with flavors; it also provides comfort and joy to any meal. Its versatile nature allows for easy customization, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions. With straightforward preparation and tantalizing results, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
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Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful casserole that brings the flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich to breakfast, filled with layers of bread, turkey or ham, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sliced turkey or ham
- 1/2 cup sliced cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cut the bread into cubes and place half in the baking dish.
- Layer the sliced turkey or ham and cheese on top of the bread cubes; add the remaining bread cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour over the layered bread.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
Use stale bread for better texture and feel free to customize meats and cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
