Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole combines savory ham, Swiss cheese, and cubed French bread soaked in a flavorful custard of eggs, half & half, Dijon mustard, and a touch of nutmeg. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy, hearty breakfast or brunch dish perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 Whole Large Eggs
- 1 1/2 Cups Fat Free Half & Half
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- Pinch of Nutmeg
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- 6 Cups Stale Cubed French Bread
- 9 Ounces Ham, diced
- 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Swiss Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 whole eggs, 1 1/2 cups fat free half & half, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
- Add Bread: Stir in the 6 cups of stale, cubed French bread pieces, ensuring each cube is coated evenly with the custard mixture. This allows the bread to soak up flavors and soften while baking.
- Incorporate Ham and Cheese: Gently fold in the 9 ounces of diced ham and 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese into the bread mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned, the cheese has melted, and the casserole is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with a side of raspberry preserves for a delightful sweet contrast.
Notes
- Using stale bread is important as it soaks up the custard better without becoming soggy.
- You can substitute fat free half & half with whole milk or cream for a richer casserole.
- Feel free to swap ham for turkey or cooked bacon if preferred.
- The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, but it can be adjusted to taste or omitted if desired.
- Serving with raspberry preserves is traditional and adds a lovely sweet balance.
Keywords: Monte Cristo, Breakfast Casserole, Ham and Cheese Casserole, Brunch Recipe, French Bread Casserole
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/monte-cristo-breakfast-casserole-recipe/
