Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is like a love letter to classic breakfast flavors all baked into one dish. It combines fluffy eggs, tender ham, melty cheese, and just a hint of sweetness with bread pieces soaked in a custard-style mixture. The casseroles crust gets golden and slightly crispy while staying soft inside, delivering a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
I love making this casserole when I want something special but easy to prepare ahead of time. You can mix everything up the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. It saves time, but still feels like a treat that everyone will be excited to dig into. I like adding a little drizzle of powdered sugar and raspberry jam on top because it brings a fun sweet twist that reminds me of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich.
Serving this casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad turns it into a complete meal that guests always ask for again. It’s a great dish to bring to brunch or enjoy on a cozy weekend morning with family. I find it’s the kind of recipe that sparks happy memories around the table and makes mornings a bit brighter and more festive without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bread
- Brioche or challah is best due to their soft texture and slight sweetness. If you can’t find these, white sandwich bread or a sturdy French bread works too. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without turning mushy.
- Ham
- Diced cooked ham adds a classic salty bite. Turkey or Canadian bacon are great substitutes if you want a leaner choice or a different flavor.
- Swiss Cheese
- Swiss offers a mild, nutty taste that melts beautifully. Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone are good alternatives if you prefer or need a different cheese.
- Milk & Eggs
- Whole milk gives richness to the custard. You can swap for half-and-half or milk alternatives like oat milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, though texture may slightly change.
How Do You Get the Bread Perfectly Soaked but Not Soggy?
Soaking bread in the egg mixture is key to a tender inside and crisp outside. Here’s my simple method:
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add bread cubes and gently press them down so they soak well but don’t break apart.
- Let it sit 10 minutes—this allows the bread to absorb custard without becoming mushy.
- If bread is too fresh, soak a bit shorter; with day-old bread, soaking longer works better.
- Spreading evenly in the pan helps cook everything consistently.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and serving a crowd.
- Large mixing bowl – gives you plenty of space to whisk eggs and soak bread without spilling.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs, milk, and sugar smoothly for a creamy custard.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – great for folding in ham and cheese gently without breaking the bread.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ham for cooked sausage or bacon for a different savory twist.
- Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese to add a bit of spice or sharpness.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor in the custard.
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 cups cubed brioche or challah bread (preferably slightly stale)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing the baking dish
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar
- Raspberry jam or preserves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40 to 50 minutes to bake. Adding a 5 to 10 minute resting time after baking helps it set nicely before serving. So plan for roughly about 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish:
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and blended well.
3. Soak the Bread:
Add the cubed brioche or challah bread to the egg mixture. Gently press the bread pieces down so they soak up the custard. Let this sit for around 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb all the liquid without getting soggy.
4. Add Ham and Cheese:
Carefully fold in the diced cooked ham and the shredded Swiss cheese, spreading them evenly through the soaked bread mixture.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Place it uncovered in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is puffed up, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to let it set. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like.
7. Serve with a Sweet Twist:
Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve raspberry jam or preserves on the side, so everyone can enjoy that classic sweet and savory Monte Cristo flavor combination. Enjoy warm!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What Can I Use Instead of Brioche or Challah?
White sandwich bread or French bread work well as substitutes. Just use slightly stale bread for the best texture to soak up the custard without getting too mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Meat or Cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey. For cheese, try Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar to suit your taste preferences.