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Creamy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Monte Cristo breakfast casserole - featured image
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A golden, custardy breakfast casserole inspired by the classic Monte Cristo sandwich, layered with bread, ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and finished with powdered sugar and berry preserves. Perfect for brunch gatherings and easy to prepare ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut white sandwich bread (day-old preferred)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz deli ham, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz deli turkey, thinly sliced
  • 6 oz Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1/2 cup berry preserves (strawberry or raspberry, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Slice bread into triangles or 1-inch cubes. Arrange half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Layer half the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the bread. Repeat with remaining bread, meats, and cheese.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour custard evenly over casserole. Gently press down with a spatula to help bread absorb liquid. Let sit for 15 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until golden and center is set. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
  6. Check doneness with a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
  7. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with berry preserves.
  8. Slice into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh berries or mint if desired.

Notes

Day-old bread works best for texture. Assemble the night before for easy morning baking. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute bread and dairy products as needed. Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture. Try fresh berries or apple butter for seasonal variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monte Cristo, breakfast casserole, brunch, ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, easy, make ahead, comfort food, family gathering

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-monte-cristo-breakfast-casserole-easy-brunch-recipe-for-gatherings/