Description
Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory and sweet morning delight combining layers of bread, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, baked to golden perfection and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup diced turkey
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Grease Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Layer Bread Base: Arrange half of the bread slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Egg Mix Over Bread: Carefully pour half of the egg mixture over the bread slices in the dish, allowing it to soak in slightly.
- Add Meat Layers: Evenly distribute the diced ham and turkey over the soaked bread layer for a flavorful protein boost.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the meat layer to add a creamy, melty texture.
- Add Second Bread Layer: Layer the remaining bread slices on top of the cheese, covering the layered ingredients beneath.
- Pour Remaining Egg Mixture: Pour the rest of the egg mixture over the top bread layer, ensuring it is well coated, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and has a golden brown crust.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a sweeter touch, add a drizzle of maple syrup when serving.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate; bake in the morning.
- Make sure the casserole is fully set in the middle before removing from the oven to avoid undercooked eggs.
