Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole combines the delightful flavors of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich with the comforting textures of French toast, making it a perfect choice for breakfast or brunch. This dish is not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it style casserole that allows you to enjoy your morning without the hassle of flipping each individual piece of French toast. Instead of laboring over the griddle, you can prepare this casserole in advance, letting it soak overnight and baking it the next morning.

Additionally, it’s versatile enough to serve for both special occasions and everyday meals. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a holiday, or just looking to treat yourself and your family to something delicious, this Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is the ideal choice. With its layers of bread, creamy custard, savory meats, and gooey cheese, it’s bound to impress everyone at the table.

How to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Making a Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a delightful dish that will surely become a favorite.

Ingredients

To make this delicious casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 slices of French bread
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup honey ham, chopped
• 1 cup turkey, chopped
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish during baking.

Step 2: Cut the Bread

Next, cut the French bread into bite-sized cubes. You want the pieces to be small enough to fit comfortably in the baking dish, yet large enough to maintain some texture after baking.

Step 3: Arrange the Bread in the Dish

Place half of the bread cubes in the greased baking dish. Make sure they are spread out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined. This mixture will act as a custard, soaking into the bread and giving it that classic French toast flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Pour half of the custard mixture over the layer of bread in the baking dish. Next, layer the chopped honey ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the bread. Then, add the remaining bread cubes on top.

Step 6: Complete the Layers

Finally, pour the rest of the custard mixture over the top layer of bread. This will ensure that every piece gets moistened and infused with flavor.

Step 7: Add Some Sweetness

Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the casserole. This will create a sweet, caramelized crust as it bakes. Dot the top with pieces of butter for extra richness and flavor.

Step 8: Let it Soak

Let the casserole sit for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This gives the bread time to soak up the custard mixture, ensuring a soft and creamy texture once baked.

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown and set in the center. If it becomes too brown on top but isn’t fully baked, you can cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This will help it to set up a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy with your favorite syrup if desired!

How to Serve Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

Serving Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is easy. Once the casserole has cooled slightly, cut it into generous squares. You can serve it warm, fresh out of the oven, alongside a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh fruit, such as mixed berries or sliced bananas, makes a perfect garnish and adds a refreshing touch to the meal.

This casserole works wonderfully for brunch, where it can be the star of the table. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a fruit platter to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Store Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

If you have leftover Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole, storing it properly will help retain its flavor and texture.

Refrigerating Leftovers

Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Freezing Leftovers

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the casserole. Make sure it’s cooled and then place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to one month. To reheat frozen casserole, first thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

Tips to Make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole

1. Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread works best for this recipe because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can let it dry out a bit first.

2. Customize Your Meats and Cheese: Feel free to substitute other meats or cheeses based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Think about using provolone cheese or adding bacon for a different flavor profile.

3. Add Some Seasoning: For added flavor, consider sprinkling some garlic powder, onion powder, or even Italian seasoning into the casserole layers.

4. Prepare Ahead of Time: To save time in the morning, you can prepare everything the night before. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. Top with Fresh Fruits: Serve this dish with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. This not only adds flavor but also freshness to contrast the richness of the casserole.

Variation

To mix things up, you can try a few variations of the Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole:

• Sweet Version: Instead of ham and turkey, use sliced strawberries or bananas paired with cream cheese for a sweet twist. You can even add a layer of Nutella between the bread for a chocolatey delight.

• Spicy Twist: For a little heat, add jalapeños or sprinkle some chili flakes into the meat layers. You can also try pepper jack cheese to turn up the spice level.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meats with a medley of sautéed vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms work exceedingly well in this version.

FAQs

Can I make Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard effectively. Just bake it in the morning for a fresh, hot breakfast.

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread is traditional, you can use challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.

How do I know if the casserole is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and ensure that the center has set. You can gently shake the baking dish; if it jiggles a lot, it may need more time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

How should I serve Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole?

Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruits. It pairs nicely with a side of bacon, sausage, or a light salad for brunch.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Make sure they are completely cooled, and store them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

This delicious and satisfying Monte Cristo French Toast Casserole is bound to become a beloved dish in your home. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings. Enjoy this unique mix of sweet and savory, and make lasting memories sharing it with your loved ones!

Print