Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

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Why Make This Recipe

Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. It is perfect for breakfast or brunch and can easily feed a crowd, making it a great choice for family gatherings or special occasions. The casserole combines the classic Monte Cristo sandwich elements with a fluffy French toast base. You get layers of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and a rich egg mixture all baked together. This meal is versatile, offering both the wow factor for guests and convenience for the cook.

A huge benefit of this casserole is that it can be prepared the night before and then baked in the morning, saving you time. With a touch of sweetness from the cinnamon and the richness of the heavy cream, this dish has something for everyone. Whether you’re serving a fancy brunch or a comforting breakfast during the week, this casserole stands out and is sure to delight those who try it.

How to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Creating a Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole at home is satisfying as preparing it involves simple steps and readily available ingredients. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

To make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 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 unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.
Grease the Baking Dish: Take a large 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will soak into the bread, giving it a rich flavor and consistency.
Layer the Ingredients:
- Begin by placing half of the French bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the diced ham, turkey, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the bread.
- Add the remaining French bread cubes on top, and finish with the rest of the Swiss cheese.
Pour the Custard Mixture: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the bread soaks up the custard.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar together. Drizzle this over the casserole for a sweet, caramelized topping.
Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the casserole cook through without getting too brown.
Uncover and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the casserole to be fully set.
Cool Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This resting time will make it easier to cut and serve.

How to Serve Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

When it comes to serving Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole, consider these options:

Cut into Squares: Serve the casserole cut into squares. This makes it easy for guests to take a piece for themselves.
Add Syrup or Jam: Offer maple syrup or raspberry jam on the side for those who like a touch more sweetness. These toppings pair beautifully with the flavors of ham and cheese.
Garnish with Powdered Sugar: Dust the top with powdered sugar for a nice finishing touch. It not only looks appealing but adds a subtle sweetness.
Serve with Fresh Fruits: Freshly sliced strawberries, blueberries, or slices of orange can complement the dish and add some freshness.

How to Store Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

If you have leftovers or plan to make the casserole ahead of time, here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply cut a serving and place it in the microwave for a minute or two. Alternatively, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old French bread. It will absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
Customize the Meats: Feel free to substitute different kinds of deli meats. A combination of ham, chicken, or even roast beef can add variety.
Add Spinach or Veggies: If you want to incorporate some veggies, adding fresh spinach or mushrooms can give the casserole an extra flavor boost and nutritional benefit.
Experiment with Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a twist on flavors.
Make It Ahead of Time: To save time, prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Variation

While this Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is delightful as is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up depending on your taste preferences:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and add vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers along with extra cheese for a vegetarian option.
Sweet Variation: If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, use fresh berries or chocolate chips in place of the meats. You can also add sliced bananas, making it more of a dessert than a brunch dish.
Spicy Kick: Add some thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a little heat in your breakfast.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge. In the morning, you can bake it straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. What type of bread should I use?
Using French bread is traditional for this recipe, but you can also use challah or brioche. Both offer a soft, delicious texture when baked.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic for the Monte Cristo flavor, cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack can be delicious alternatives.

4. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole should be golden brown on top and fully set in the center. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when fully cooked.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole. Make sure to wrap it tightly and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is an easy and enjoyable way to bring together great flavors for breakfast or brunch. It’s versatile for different dietary needs, easy to prepare, and a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or enjoying a weekend treat, it is sure to impress everyone at the table!