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–+ servings
recipe image of fresh ingredients bread eggs milk butter cinnamon vanilla extract cream cheese ham cheese powdered sugar maple syrup nutmeg cloves arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

A comforting and indulgent breakfast casserole that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a family brunch or a cozy morning meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf Bread thick cut brioche or challah
  • 1 pound Ham thickly sliced deli ham or leftover honey baked ham
  • 1 cup Cheese Gruyere or Swiss, shredded
  • 6 large Eggs fresh, local eggs
  • 2 cups Milk whole milk
  • 1 cup Cream heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg
  • 1 pinch Cloves
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Butter softened

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • Mixing bowl
  • - Spatula
  • - Whisk
  • - Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Arrange half of the bread cubes or slices in the bottom of the dish.
  3. Layer the sliced ham and cheese over the bread.
  4. Place the remaining bread over the top, creating a snug blanket for the savory ingredients.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The mixture should be fragrant and frothy.
  6. Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down, ensuring every inch is submerged.
  7. Let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for an overnight monte cristo casserole. This rest period allows the bread to fully hydrate.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  9. Once out of the oven, let it rest for five minutes. Dust heavily with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup or a berry preserve.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25g

Notes

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is perfect for a family brunch or a cozy morning meal. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 325 degrees until warmed through.
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