MONTE CRISTO BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

If you are looking for new and different ways to use those holiday leftovers, try this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole. It is super scrumptious, easy to prepare, and should be made the night before which gives you time in the morning for that extra cup of coffee. Who doesn’t need that?

What is a Monte Cristo?

The Monte Cristo is a sandwich that is said to have originated in France. Typically, it contains ham and/or turkey, cheese, and dipped in either egg or an egg batter. It is then either deep-fried, pan-fried, or grilled and is served with powdered sugar, syrup, or raspberry jam.

How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is such an easy recipe to make. Begin by laying out 12 slices of bread. I used brioche bread for this but you could use other types. Spread a light layer of honey mustard on 6 of the slices. Place a layer of ham over the mustard.

Top the ham with slices of gruyere cheese followed by turkey slices and a good dollop of cranberry sauce. We ate all the roast turkey for Thanksgiving so I used deli turkey.

Place the remaining bread slices on top to form a sandwich. Cut each sandwich into four triangles and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Mix together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour evenly over the casserole. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350-degrees. Remove the foil and bake for 35-45 minutes until it is golden brown and the eggs are set. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

I served this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole with maple syrup, but you could also serve it with raspberry jam for dipping, or nothing at all.

Alternatively, if you didn’t want to make the sandwiches, you could cut the bread into cubes and mix it together with the ham, turkey, and cranberry sauce. Pour the egg mixture over it and bake it that way. The cooking time would be roughly the same. I just liked the idea of the sandwich shape because it reminded me of a Monte Cristo sandwich.

Print Recipe

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

A terrific way to use holiday leftovers, this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is easy to prepare and will satisfy even the most discerning palettes

Prep Time10 hrs

Cook Time45 mins

Total Time10 hrs 45 mins

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breakfast casserole

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 305kcal

Author: Debbie

Ingredients

• 12 slices brioche bread
• 12 slices baked ham
• 12 slices roast turkey
• 6 teaspoons honey mustard
• 6 slices gruyere cheese
• 12 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• 8 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cup milk
• salt and pepper, to taste
• powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

• Begin with 12 slices of bread laid out flatly.
• Add a thin spread of honey mustard to 6 of the slices of bread.
• Place one slice of ham over the mustard, followed by one slice of cheese, a slice of turkey, and about 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce spread evenly.
• Top with the other slices of bread and cut each sandwich into 4 triangles. Place the triangles into a 9×13 baking dish.
• Mix the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper thoroughly. Pour over the casserole.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and the egg has set.
• Remove from the oven and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Notes

BREAD – Any type of bread may be used. If you are not making the “sandwich” casserole but rather the “cubed” bread type, I would suggest using French or Italian bread. 

MEATS – Deli meats work perfectly well for this recipe if you don’t have leftovers.

CHEESE – I love Gruyere cheese and almost always have it on hand. You could also use Brie, Havarti, or Swiss.

CRANBERRY SAUCE – I used a homemade sauce that was leftover. You could also use a canned cranberry sauce or substitute a raspberry jam. Any type of tart sauce or jam will be delicious.

HONEY MUSTARD – This gives the casserole a sweet and spicy hit of flavor, but can be omitted if you prefer. 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 2mg

Hope you enjoy this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole!