Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Spread the love

Why Make This Recipe

Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your morning routine. This casserole combines the classic flavors of the Monte Cristo sandwich, featuring ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, with the delightful sweetness of French toast. It’s an excellent option for brunch or a special breakfast occasion, as it serves multiple people and requires minimal effort in the kitchen. Instead of making individual sandwiches or pieces of French toast, you simply create a layered casserole that can be baked all at once.

Imagine hosting friends or family; the savory and sweet aromas will draw everyone together in anticipation of the delicious meal ahead. This recipe is versatile and allows for substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs, making it ideal for various occasions. Additionally, you can prepare the casserole the night before, saving you time and hassle on busy mornings.

How to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Making the Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is straightforward and requires only a few steps. With simple instructions and common ingredients, you will have a dish that looks impressive and tastes heavenly. Let’s dive into the details.

Ingredients

1 loaf of French bread, cubed
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup honey ham, diced
1 cup turkey, diced
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Grease the baking dish: Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Whisk the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack in the six large eggs. Add in the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
Layer the bread: Take the cubed French bread and place it evenly in the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom with the bread cubes.
Add meat and cheese: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring that all pieces get soaked well. Next, sprinkle the diced honey ham, diced turkey, and shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the bread and egg mixture.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar until you have a smooth blend. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the casserole, which will create a deliciously crispy topping when baked.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top.
Cool and serve: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set up a bit more.

How to Serve Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Serving the Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is as simple as cutting into squares. Use a sharp knife to slice it into portions. You can serve it straight from the dish, offering a warm and comforting experience.

To enhance the flavors, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or serving it with sides like maple syrup or fresh fruit. Serving options also include a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness. You could accompany it with a fresh salad or a side of crispy bacon for a wider breakfast spread.

This dish is delightful both warm and at room temperature, so it’s perfect for gatherings where people can help themselves. Pair it with coffee, juice, or your preferred morning beverage to complete the meal.

How to Store Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

If you have leftovers, storing the Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is quite simple. Here’s how you can keep it fresh for later:

Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
Cover: Cut any unused portions into squares and place them in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you plan to eat it relatively soon.
Refrigerate: Place the covered dish in the refrigerator. It will remain good for about 3-4 days.
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the casserole in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover it with foil, and bake until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.

Tips to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

To ensure the best results with your Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole, consider the following tips:

Use stale bread: Day-old or stale French bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can toast it lightly to create a firmer texture.
Prepare it overnight: If you’re hosting a brunch, prepare the casserole the night before. After assembling, cover it and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven to bake.
Customize: Experiment with different meats and cheeses. If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to swap Swiss for Gruyère or cheddar. Similarly, turkey can be replaced with chicken or another favorite protein.
Add spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or other spices to the egg mixture for extra depth.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or sliced fruits when serving to add color and freshness to your plate.

Variation

While the classic Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole recipe is excellent on its own, you may want to try some variations for a unique twist:

Vegetarian option: Omit the meats and add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly dish. Replace protein with a creamy cheese like ricotta or feta for added flavor.
Spicy kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or chilies into the mix for a spicy twist.
Fruit fusion: Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apples to the casserole for a fruity variation. You can also incorporate a fruit preserves layer between the bread cubes for an added sweetness.
Different bread types: Instead of French bread, use brioche or challah for an even richer and sweeter casserole experience.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next morning.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss is traditional, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda.
How long does it take to bake?
It usually takes about 30 minutes covered and an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered. The total baking time is roughly 45-50 minutes.
Can I use different meats?
Yes! You can substitute the honey ham and turkey with any meat you prefer, such as chicken, bacon, or sausage, based on your taste.

The Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is truly a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you are feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this casserole will create wonderful memories and delicious moments shared over breakfast. Enjoy every bite!