Prepare to transform your brunch experience with this incredible Monte Cristo Casserole recipe! This indulgent overnight breakfast bake is a culinary masterpiece, perfectly blending the sweet comfort of French toast with the savory richness of ham, turkey, and creamy Swiss cheese. It’s a dish designed for convenience and celebration, making it an absolute must-have for holidays, special occasions, or simply making your mornings a little more magical.
Imagine waking up on a bustling holiday morning, knowing that your spectacular brunch dish is already assembled and simply waiting to be baked. This Monte Cristo Casserole offers precisely that luxury. It’s an ideal make-ahead recipe that can be prepared the night before, tucked into the refrigerator, or even frozen for future enjoyment, ensuring a stress-free start to any day.
This recipe draws its inspiration from the iconic Monte Cristo sandwich, famously popularized by establishments like Bennigan’s. That beloved sandwich features a delectable combination of fried ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, often served with a sweet raspberry sauce. Our casserole version captures all those irresistible sweet and savory notes, reimagining them into a comforting, baked format that’s perfect for sharing.
While my kitchen often features health-conscious, low-carb options like Ham Quiche Cups or a satisfying Crustless Quiche, this Monte Cristo Casserole is a delightful departure into pure decadence. It’s a treat, a special indulgence, much like a gourmet Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich, but elevated for a crowd.
What sets this recipe apart in terms of convenience and indulgence? It strategically starts with pre-made frozen French toast sticks. This clever shortcut drastically cuts down on preparation time, allowing you to create an elegant and fancy dish without the added effort of making French toast from scratch. The result is a rich, custardy bake where the cinnamon French toast harmonizes beautifully with the savory deli meats and melted Swiss cheese.
Whether you’re planning a lavish Mother’s Day brunch, a festive Christmas morning breakfast, or a joyful Easter gathering, this Monte Cristo Casserole is perfectly suited for special occasions. Just like a hearty overnight hash brown breakfast casserole or a comforting ham and cheese strata, it’s a dish that promises to wow your guests and create lasting memories around the breakfast table. Get ready to savor every sweet and savory bite!
Jump to the Full Recipe Card
Why This Monte Cristo Casserole Will Become Your New Brunch Favorite
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for delightful, stress-free entertaining. Here’s a closer look at what makes it truly exceptional:
- Unmatched Convenience: The ability to assemble this entire casserole the night before is a game-changer. Imagine waking up, sliding it into the oven, and enjoying a relaxing morning while a spectacular breakfast bakes to golden perfection. This makes it ideal for busy weekends, holiday mornings, or when hosting overnight guests.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The magic of a Monte Cristo lies in its unique sweet and savory profile. This casserole perfectly balances the cinnamon-infused sweetness of French toast with the salty richness of ham and turkey, all complemented by the creamy, nutty notes of Swiss cheese. It’s a flavor combination that delights the palate and keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Impressive Presentation: Topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and vibrant fresh strawberries, this casserole looks as good as it tastes. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish that will surely be the centerpiece of your brunch spread.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While it truly shines as a holiday breakfast — think Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day brunch — it’s equally fantastic for a special weekend breakfast with family or even a celebratory get-together. Its crowd-pleasing appeal is undeniable.
- Customizable to Your Liking: The recipe provides a fantastic base, but it’s also incredibly forgiving. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, deli meats, or even various fruit preserves to tailor it to your personal taste.
- Freezer-Friendly: For ultimate meal prep convenience, this casserole can be prepared ahead and frozen, either baked or unbaked. This means you can have a gourmet breakfast ready even weeks in advance!
Essential Ingredients for Your Decadent Monte Cristo Bake
Creating this irresistible Monte Cristo Casserole relies on a thoughtful combination of ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: This is your secret weapon for speed and flavor. Using pre-made frozen French toast sticks, especially the cinnamon variety, infuses your casserole with a warm, sweet spice without any extra effort. No need to defrost – simply cube and go!
- Deli Ham: Select a high-quality deli ham. Ask for it to be sliced approximately ¼ inch thick, which makes dicing into small, uniform pieces a breeze. The ham adds a crucial salty, savory dimension that is essential to the Monte Cristo profile.
- Deli Turkey: Complementing the ham, diced deli turkey adds another layer of savory flavor and contributes to the authentic Monte Cristo taste. Again, a ¼ inch slice from the deli works perfectly.
- Swiss Cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully within the casserole, providing a creamy, slightly nutty counterpoint to the meats and sweet bread. For an elevated experience, consider Gruyere cheese.
- Fresh Parsley: While optional, a couple of tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley add a vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish and cuts through its richness.
- Large Eggs: These are the foundation of your rich, custardy liquid. Six large eggs create the perfect binding and texture for the French toast soak.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest, most decadent custard, but 2% milk or even a plant-based milk can be used if preferred.
- Fresh Strawberries: These are primarily for garnish. Sliced fresh strawberries add a burst of sweet, tart freshness and a beautiful visual appeal when serving.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar): A generous dusting of powdered sugar over the warm, baked casserole is a non-negotiable finish. It adds that classic Monte Cristo sweetness and an elegant look.
- Optional Additions: Consider serving with a side of strawberry freezer jam, classic raspberry preserves, or a homemade blueberry compote for an extra layer of fruity sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Monte Cristo Casserole
This recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Follow these easy steps to assemble your show-stopping breakfast casserole:
Phase 1: Ingredient Preparation
- Cube the French Toast: Begin by taking your frozen cinnamon French toast sticks and cutting them into roughly 1-inch cubes. There’s no need to thaw them first; they can be cubed straight from the freezer. This saves precious time!
- Dice Meats & Shred Cheese: Next, dice one cup each of your chosen deli ham and deli turkey. For convenience, ask the deli to slice them about ¼ inch thick. Then, shred one cup of Swiss cheese. These savory components will be layered within the sweet French toast.
- Chop Fresh Parsley: If you’re including it, finely chop about two tablespoons of fresh parsley. This not only adds a vibrant green color but also a fresh, subtle flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Phase 2: Assembling the Casserole
- Layer with Care: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin by evenly spreading the cubed French toast on the bottom. Then, scatter the diced ham, followed by the diced turkey, and finally, the shredded Swiss cheese. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top. It’s important to layer these ingredients rather than mixing them to prevent the heavier components from sinking during baking.
- Prepare the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the six eggs and one cup of milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is your rich, custardy base that will soak into the French toast.
- Pour and Soak: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over all the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Ensure that all the French toast cubes are thoroughly saturated. For best results (and recommended for an overnight casserole), cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This soaking period is crucial for the French toast to absorb the custard, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful casserole.
Phase 3: Baking and Serving
- Bake to Golden Perfection: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole has been refrigerated, remove the plastic wrap. Place the uncovered baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes. The casserole is done when the egg mixture is fully set (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean) and the top is beautifully golden brown and lightly puffed. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
- Allow to Rest: Once out of the oven, resist the temptation to serve immediately. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This essential resting period allows the custard to firm up and settle, making it much easier to cut into neat, individual squares without falling apart.
- Garnish and Serve: While the casserole rests, hull and slice your fresh strawberries. To serve, cut the casserole into portions. Generously dust each piece with powdered sugar, arrange the fresh strawberry slices artfully on top, and add a dollop or drizzle of your favorite jam or compote if desired. Serve on your best china and prepare for compliments!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Monte Cristo Casserole Every Time
Ensure your Monte Cristo Casserole is a roaring success with these expert tips and tricks:
- Don’t Rush the Soak: The longer the French toast soaks in the egg mixture (up to overnight), the more flavorful and custardy the final texture will be. This is especially important for frozen French toast to fully absorb the liquid.
- Layering, Not Stirring: Resist the urge to mix all the ingredients together. Layering the ham, turkey, and cheese strategically prevents them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since ham and turkey are prominent flavors, opt for good quality deli meats. The difference in taste is noticeable.
- Personalize Your Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Provolone, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
- Vary the Sweet Toppings: While strawberry preserves are classic, consider raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or a homemade fruit compote (like this delightful blueberry compote) for an alternative sweet touch.
- Optimal Baking Dish Size: A standard 9×13 inch baking dish works best for this recipe. If you use a different size, be prepared to adjust the baking time. A smaller, deeper dish may require longer, while a wider, shallower dish might bake faster.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure the casserole is fully cooked, insert a thin knife or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the eggs are set. The top should also be visibly golden and slightly puffed.
Delicious Variations and Creative Substitutions
One of the joys of cooking is customization! This Monte Cristo Casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences:
- Meat Alternatives: Instead of ham and turkey, you could try using thinly sliced roast beef, smoked chicken, or even crispy, crumbled bacon for a different savory element. For an extra touch of richness, incorporate finely diced prosciutto.
- Cheese Explorations: Beyond Swiss, consider using Havarti for a creamier melt, Provolone for a milder flavor, or a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper taste.
- Bread Choices: If frozen French toast sticks aren’t available, or you prefer to make your own, use day-old challah, brioche, or Texas toast. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Stale bread is key for optimal custard absorption without becoming soggy. You can even lightly toast fresh bread cubes to achieve this.
- Sweetness Adjustment: For those who prefer a less sweet breakfast, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or simply omit the jam. If you crave more sweetness, a light sprinkle of brown sugar over the French toast before adding the custard can caramelize beautifully during baking.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice profile by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the egg and milk mixture. A touch of vanilla extract can also deepen the French toast flavor.
- Fruitful Additions: While fresh strawberries are a classic garnish, consider topping with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or even thinly sliced peaches for seasonal variations. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or slivered almonds can add a lovely crunch.
- Make it Savory-Focused: To lean more into the savory side, you could lightly season the ham and turkey with a dash of black pepper or a hint of smoked paprika before layering.
Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Brunch
While the Monte Cristo Casserole is certainly a showstopper on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes can elevate your brunch spread:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal berries, melon, grapes, and citrus segments provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, warm casserole.
- Crisp Bacon or Sausage: For those who enjoy extra protein, a side of perfectly crispy bacon strips or flavorful breakfast sausage links makes an excellent accompaniment.
- Green Salad with Light Vinaigrette: A simple, lightly dressed green salad can offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing element, especially if you find the casserole very rich.
- Beverage Pairings: Complete your brunch experience with freshly brewed coffee, a selection of teas, or for a festive touch, sparkling mimosas or bellinis.
- Extra Condiments: Offer additional bowls of powdered sugar, strawberry preserves, raspberry jam, or even warm maple syrup on the side, allowing guests to customize their servings.
Make Ahead & Freezing: Your Key to Stress-Free Brunches
The beauty of this Monte Cristo Casserole lies in its incredible flexibility for make-ahead preparation. This feature makes it an absolute lifesaver for holiday mornings or busy weekends.
- Overnight Refrigeration (Recommended):
The best way to prepare this casserole is to assemble it the night before. Follow all the instructions up to pouring the egg mixture over the layered ingredients. Once the custard is poured, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight (up to 24 hours). This extended soaking time allows the French toast to fully absorb the custardy liquid, resulting in an exceptionally tender, moist, and flavorful casserole once baked.
- Freezing Instructions for Future Enjoyment:
This casserole is also a fantastic candidate for freezing, perfect for long-term meal planning!
- To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish, following all the steps through pouring the egg mixture. Wrap the dish very tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label clearly with the date and recipe name. Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator for about 24 hours to thaw completely. Remove the plastic wrap and foil, then bake as directed in the recipe.
- To Freeze Baked: Allow the fully baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, you can either wrap the entire casserole tightly (plastic wrap then foil) or cut it into individual servings. Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw the desired portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Monte Cristo Casserole
- Can I use homemade French toast instead of frozen?
- Absolutely! If you’re using homemade or store-bought fresh French toast, it’s best if it’s slightly stale or day-old. This helps the bread absorb the egg custard more effectively without becoming soggy. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes or let them air dry for a few hours to achieve a similar effect.
- What kind of deli ham and turkey are best for this recipe?
- For the best flavor, choose high-quality deli ham (like honey ham, black forest, or smoked ham) and deli turkey (smoked turkey or oven-roasted). Request that the slices be about ¼ inch thick at the deli counter, as this makes cubing much easier and ensures nice, chunky pieces in your casserole.
- Is overnight soaking really necessary?
- While overnight soaking (4-24 hours) is highly recommended for the most tender, flavorful, and custardy texture, you can get away with a shorter soak. If you’re pressed for time, aim for at least 30-60 minutes in the refrigerator. However, the longer soak allows the French toast to fully absorb the egg mixture, yielding superior results.
- How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
- The casserole is fully cooked when the egg mixture is set. You can test this by gently inserting a thin knife or a wooden skewer into the center of the casserole; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. The top should also be puffed and golden brown.
- Can I make a smaller batch of this casserole?
- Yes, it’s very easy to halve this recipe! Simply cut all the ingredient quantities in half and bake it in an 8×8 inch baking dish. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it might be slightly shorter than for a larger casserole.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
- Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and a subtle fresh flavor, but it’s completely optional. You can omit it without significantly impacting the core taste of the casserole. Dried parsley isn’t recommended as a substitute in this context, as its flavor profile is different and less vibrant.
More Delightful Brunch & Breakfast Recipes
If you’re a fan of delicious, easy-to-make breakfast and brunch dishes, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection. From savory quiches to sweet chaffles, there’s something for every palate!
- Crustless Quiche to Make Ahead and Freeze
- Decadent Chocolate Chaffle Recipe with Ricotta
- Low-Carb Ham Quiche Cups {Gluten-free}
Craving more easy, healthy, and carb-conscious recipes directly in your inbox?
📋 Recipe Card: Ultimate Monte Cristo Casserole
Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe
This Monte Cristo Casserole, made with French toast, savory ham and turkey, and Swiss cheese, is a perfect overnight breakfast recipe for holiday brunches and special family gatherings. Simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and easy to make ahead!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Marjory Pilley
Ingredients
- 20 ounce box of cinnamon French toast sticks, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup deli ham, diced (¼-inch thick slices recommended)
- 1 cup deli turkey, diced (¼-inch thick slices recommended)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for flavor and garnish)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 1 Pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, for garnish
- Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar), for garnish
- Strawberry preserves or raspberry jam (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the ingredients: Cube the frozen cinnamon French toast sticks. Dice the deli ham and turkey into small pieces. Shred the Swiss cheese. Chop the fresh parsley if using.
- Arrange the French toast cubes evenly in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly scatter the diced ham, then the diced turkey, and finally the shredded Swiss cheese over the French toast. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Do not stir the layers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring all French toast pieces are well saturated.
- For overnight preparation (highly recommended): Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight (up to 24 hours). This allows the French toast to absorb the custard, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the egg mixture is completely set and the top is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes cutting easier.
- While the casserole rests, hull and slice the fresh strawberries.
- Cut the casserole into individual squares.
- Garnish each serving generously with powdered sugar and fresh strawberry slices. Serve warm with optional strawberry preserves or raspberry jam on the side.
Notes
Make-Ahead Excellence: This casserole is perfectly suited for overnight preparation. Assemble it the evening before your event, refrigerate, and simply bake in the morning for a fresh, hot brunch.
Freezing for Later: You can freeze this casserole both baked and unbaked. If freezing unbaked, prepare as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. If freezing baked, allow it to cool completely, cut into portions, and wrap tightly. Freeze for 1-2 months and reheat thawed portions in the oven or microwave.
Adjusting Servings: To make a smaller batch (e.g., 4 servings), simply halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8 inch baking dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 36.2mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 3.4mg
Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer
This recipe was originally published on February 13, 2013, and has been comprehensively updated to improve reader experience, enhance clarity, and provide additional valuable tips for this delightful Monte Cristo Casserole.