Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

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Why Make This Recipe

Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on breakfast that combines the warm, comforting flavors of a classic French toast with the savory goodness of a Monte Cristo sandwich. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Monte Cristo, you know how delicious it is with its layers of ham, turkey, and cheese fried between two slices of bread. Now, imagine those flavors combined in a casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd. This recipe is great for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or even just a cozy weekend breakfast.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its simplicity. You can prepare it the night before, letting the flavors meld overnight, and then pop it in the oven in the morning. This ease makes it a wonderful option for busy mornings or when you have guests. The crispy top and creamy middle create a satisfying texture that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy a huge breakfast with minimal effort!

How to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Making Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated steps. You’ll use simple ingredients to create a rich and hearty breakfast dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

To make this delicious casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

1 loaf French bread
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup honey ham, diced
1 cup turkey, diced
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
Powdered sugar (for serving)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and makes for easier serving.
Cube the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-2 inch cubes. You want to make sure the pieces are about the same size to ensure even cooking. Place these cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure to whisk until everything is well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread and create the custard-like texture of the casserole.
Combine with Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Use a spatula or your hands to gently toss the bread in the mixture, ensuring all the cubes are well coated. You want every piece of bread to soak up that delicious mixture.
Add the Meats and Cheese: Sprinkle the diced ham, turkey, and shredded Swiss cheese on top of the coated bread. This added layer of savory goodness enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter together. Once combined, drizzle this mixture over the top of the casserole. This gives the casserole a sweet, crunchy topping once baked.
Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This soaking time is crucial as it allows the bread to absorb all the flavors. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will still work, but overnight is best.
Bake the Casserole: When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake it covered for 30 minutes. After that, uncover it and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll want the top to be golden brown and bubbly, creating a beautiful contrast to the soft bread underneath.
Allow to Cool: Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve, and it gives the custard time to set a bit more.
Serve: Dust the top of the casserole with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a nice sweet touch and makes for a pretty presentation.

How to Serve Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is fantastic when served warm right out of the oven. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal even better:

Garnish: Besides powdered sugar, you can add fresh fruit like berries or banana slices on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Maple Syrup: Serve with warm maple syrup on the side for drizzling over each serving.
Beverages: Complement the dish with a steaming cup of coffee, a tall glass of orange juice, or even a sweetened tea to balance the savory and sweet notes of the casserole.
Portion Size: Cut the casserole into squares for easy serving. Each piece can be garnished individually with powdered sugar or syrup, allowing everyone to customize their plate.

How to Store Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

If you have leftovers (though they are unlikely), you can store them for later. Here’s how:

Refrigerate: Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer pieces into an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unbaked casserole before it has rested. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To bake from frozen, simply add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Tips to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can cut fresh bread into cubes and let it sit out to dry for a few hours before using it.
Let It Soak: The longer you let it soak, the better it will taste. If time allows, soaking it overnight is ideal for infusing flavors.
Customize Your Meats: Feel free to mix different types of meats or cheeses based on your preferences. Some people use smoked ham or prosciutto for a different twist.
Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the mixture. Just be mindful that extra moisture can change the texture.
Experiment with Spices: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the egg mixture for another layer of flavor.

Variation

While the classic Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is delightful on its own, there are several variations you can try:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach or diced bell peppers, and use a sharp cheddar instead of Swiss cheese.
Sweet Variation: For a sweeter touch, you could switch up the savory ingredients for sweet ones, like blueberries or chocolate chips, creating a completely different breakfast experience.
Baked with Fruit: Add fresh sliced strawberries or bananas into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free bread instead of regular French bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the ham and turkey, are gluten-free as well.

2. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If it’s still liquid, let it bake a bit longer.

3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

4. Is this casserole good for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time by assembling everything the night before. When ready to serve, just bake it fresh in the morning!

5. Can I serve this casserole cold?
While it’s best served warm, you can eat it cold. However, the texture will be different, so it’s recommended to reheat the leftovers for the best experience.

This Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is not only simple to make, but it also brings family and friends around the table for a cozy, satisfying meal. With all the flavors packed into every bite, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast recipe rotation!