Description
Wake up to layers of buttery brioche, smoky ham, tender turkey, and melty Swiss baked into a golden Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole that feels like a special occasion but works for any lazy weekend. This cozy bake turns the classic diner sandwich into a shareable pan—perfect for quick breakfast meal prep, brunch parties, or even breakfast-for-dinner when you need new food ideas. The sweet-and-savory custard, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a spoonful of jam make it feel indulgent, yet it’s an easy recipe you can assemble ahead. Add this to your breakfast ideas and dinner ideas list whenever you want an effortless crowd-pleaser instead of another rushed healthy snack.
Ingredients
1 pound brioche or challah bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
8 ounces sliced deli ham, chopped
8 ounces sliced deli turkey, chopped
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
8 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup half and half or heavy cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for serving
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Cut the brioche or challah into 1 inch cubes and spread half of the bread in an even layer in the prepared dish.
2. Sprinkle half of the chopped ham and turkey over the bread, then top with half of the Swiss and Gruyere cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, meats, and cheese.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, half and half, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, vanilla extract, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
4. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, meats, and cheese, making sure to cover all corners of the dish. Gently press the bread down with the back of a spatula so it absorbs the liquid.
5. Dollop the raspberry or strawberry jam over the top of the casserole in small spoonfuls, allowing some of it to sink between the bread cubes.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to let the bread soak up the custard.
7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, and place the dish on the center rack of the oven.
8. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, the top is deep golden brown, and the center is set and no longer overly jiggly. If it browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so it can set and slice cleanly. Dust the top with powdered sugar, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, slice into squares, and serve warm with extra jam or warm maple syrup if desired.
Notes
For the best texture, use day old brioche or challah so the bread can fully absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
You can assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it in the morning for an effortless make ahead brunch centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 27
- Cholesterol: 205
Keywords: monte cristo breakfast casserole, make ahead brunch, ham and cheese casserole, overnight breakfast bake, easy breakfast recipe, breakfast ideas, quick breakfast