This Monte Cristo Casserole is the perfect combination of crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory ham, all baked into a gooey, mouthwatering casserole. With a custard-like egg mixture soaking through the bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. The dusting of powdered sugar on top gives it that signature sweetness, reminiscent of the classic Monte Cristo sandwich that’s often served with a side of jelly. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for satisfying both your sweet and savory cravings.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, this casserole is sure to please a crowd. The simplicity of its preparation, paired with the irresistible flavors, makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Serve it with a light salad for a balanced meal or enjoy it as is for a satisfying comfort food experience.
Full Recipe:
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8 slices of white bread
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4 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup sliced cooked ham
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1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup powdered sugar (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Tear the bread into pieces and scatter them across the baking dish.
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In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
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Pour the egg mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
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Layer the ham and both cheeses evenly on top of the bread and egg mixture.
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Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
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Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the casserole before serving for that signature Monte Cristo flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Choose Monte Cristo Casserole?
There are many reasons why this casserole version of the Monte Cristo is a must-try. First and foremost, it’s easy to prepare. Instead of painstakingly assembling sandwiches one at a time and then frying them individually, the casserole lets you layer everything in one dish and bake it in the oven. It’s a great option for feeding a group of people, and the best part is that it can be made in advance. This makes it perfect for holidays, brunches, or any special gathering where you need to serve a large crowd without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Another key advantage of the Monte Cristo casserole is its versatility. You can customize it based on your preferences. Want to swap out the ham for turkey or chicken? Go ahead! Prefer a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment with cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella. The base of eggs, bread, and milk remains the same, so the possibilities are endless when it comes to adding your personal touch to the recipe.
A Comforting, Indulgent Dish
The beauty of the Monte Cristo casserole lies in its indulgence. The rich egg custard that soaks the bread creates a crispy, golden top while keeping the inside soft and custardy. The ham and cheese melt perfectly throughout the dish, providing a savory bite with each forkful. And, of course, the dusting of powdered sugar on top gives it that signature sweetness, reminiscent of the classic Monte Cristo sandwich that’s often served with a side of jelly. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for satisfying both your sweet and savory cravings.
A Perfect Dish for Brunch or Breakfast
While the Monte Cristo sandwich is traditionally considered a breakfast or brunch item, the casserole version elevates it to an all-day affair. Whether served as a special treat for a holiday breakfast, a quick weeknight dinner, or a casual weekend brunch, this casserole is a hit at any meal. You can even serve it as a brunch buffet centerpiece, where your guests can help themselves to hearty servings of this savory dish.
What makes the Monte Cristo casserole such a great brunch dish is the balance it strikes between the richness of the ham and cheese and the lightness of the egg mixture. It’s filling but not overwhelmingly heavy, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of brunch sides, such as fresh fruit, a green salad, or even roasted potatoes. Add a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a pitcher of mimosas, and you have yourself a truly special brunch spread.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead
One of the best things about this casserole is its ability to be made ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight, allowing the bread to soak up all the egg mixture. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven, and by the time everyone is up and ready to eat, you’ll have a piping-hot casserole ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for busy mornings, especially during the holidays when you’re juggling multiple tasks.
If you want to take it a step further, you can even freeze the casserole before baking it. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This makes it an ideal dish to prepare in advance for holiday gatherings or when you want to have a comforting meal on hand during the week.
Customizing the Monte Cristo Casserole
One of the great things about casseroles is their flexibility. The Monte Cristo casserole, in particular, is highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to put your spin on this classic dish:
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Meat Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of ham, feel free to switch it out for another type of meat. Turkey or chicken works well and will give the dish a lighter flavor. For a more indulgent option, consider using bacon or sausage.
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Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is a traditional choice for a Monte Cristo sandwich, the casserole allows you to mix it up. Try using a combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
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Vegetarian Version: To make the casserole vegetarian, you can omit the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. A blend of cheeses and a bit of garlic can help enhance the flavor in the absence of meat.
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Gluten-Free Option: If you need to make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the bread for a gluten-free variety. Make sure the rest of the ingredients, such as the ham and cheese, are free of gluten additives, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this casserole.
Serving Suggestions
The Monte Cristo casserole is a hearty, filling dish, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the richness. Try serving it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or a fresh fruit salad for a burst of sweetness. If you’re serving it as a brunch dish, consider pairing it with some crispy roasted potatoes or a bowl of creamy grits.
Another great option is to serve it with a side of fruit preserves or jam. The classic Monte Cristo sandwich is often served with a dollop of jelly, and adding that to your casserole brings an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory richness of the dish. Strawberry or raspberry preserves work particularly well, adding a touch of sweetness that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese.
Why You’ll Love Monte Cristo Casserole
The Monte Cristo casserole is more than just a variation of a classic sandwich; it’s a perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and comfort. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dinner, or a special holiday meal, this dish is sure to impress. With its layers of savory ham, melted cheese, and perfectly baked egg mixture, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
In addition to its great taste, the Monte Cristo casserole is a wonderful dish to make ahead, making it ideal for busy mornings, special occasions, or gatherings. It’s simple yet indulgent, and it perfectly balances the richness of eggs and cheese with the comforting crunch of toasted bread. Whether you enjoy it with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a side of your favorite jam, the Monte Cristo casserole is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Conclusion
Monte Cristo casserole is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the classic sandwich in a more accessible, family-friendly form. Its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and irresistible flavors make it ideal for feeding a crowd, whether at breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The rich, savory combination of ham, cheese, and egg, with a touch of sweetness from powdered sugar, delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. Whether you make it for a special occasion or as a quick weeknight meal, the Monte Cristo casserole will quickly become a go-to dish that everyone loves.
