Name: Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 8 cups brioche bread, cubed (preferably day-old); 2 cups diced ham; 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Raspberry jam, for serving

Weekend mornings have a special place in my heart, and nothing makes them more memorable than pulling a bubbling, golden-brown casserole from the oven. This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is my go-to when I want something indulgent, savory, and just a little sweet. Inspired by the iconic sandwich, this dish layers fluffy bread, ham, cheese, and a rich egg custard, baked to perfection and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a spoonful of raspberry jam. It’s all the things you love about a Monte Cristo, made easier and perfect for feeding a crowd.

I first made this casserole on a chilly Saturday morning when I had leftover ham and stale brioche sitting in the kitchen. I didn’t expect it to be such a hit, but the balance of salty and sweet, soft and crispy, absolutely wowed everyone at the table. Since then, it’s been on repeat for brunches, holidays, and lazy Sundays. If you love the comfort of breakfast casseroles with a touch of elegance, this one will win you over.

Why You’ll Love This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

This recipe combines everything we crave in a classic Monte Cristo—savory ham, melty cheese, soft custardy bread—with the ease of a one-pan bake. No need to fry individual sandwiches. The contrast of sweet and salty, the creamy inside with a crispy golden top, and the raspberry jam accent all create a mouthwatering experience. It’s great for prepping ahead, perfect for holidays, and surprisingly simple to put together.

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

The bread is the backbone of this casserole, so it matters what you choose. I love using brioche or challah because their slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture soak up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. French bread or a rustic white loaf also work well—just make sure it’s a day or two old so it holds up to the custard. If you’re in a pinch, thick-cut white sandwich bread will do, but avoid anything too soft or thin.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand:

Meat: Not a fan of ham? Try smoked turkey or cooked bacon. Even shredded rotisserie chicken gives it a different spin.
Cheese: Swiss is the traditional choice for Monte Cristo, but you can sub in Gruyère, provolone, or even white cheddar for a twist.
Milk/Cream: I use whole milk for richness, but half-and-half or a combo of milk and heavy cream works great too.
Bread: As mentioned earlier, brioche is ideal, but croissants, French bread, or even Hawaiian rolls make great stand-ins.
Jam: Raspberry is classic, but feel free to try strawberry, cherry, or even fig preserves.

This casserole is surprisingly forgiving—once you understand the base, you can tweak it to match your pantry or taste.

Ingredients for This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a role in building its unique, crave-worthy flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s important:

Brioche Bread: Its rich, buttery flavor and sturdy crumb make it perfect for absorbing the egg mixture without turning soggy. It forms the soft base and crispy top of the casserole.
Diced Ham: Classic to any Monte Cristo, the ham adds savory depth and a meaty bite throughout each layer.
Shredded Swiss Cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth Swiss gives the casserole its signature creamy texture and nutty undertones.
Large Eggs: These bind everything together and create a custard base that puffs up and turns golden in the oven.
Whole Milk: Balances the eggs to create that rich, tender interior every breakfast casserole needs.
Dijon Mustard: Adds just a hint of sharpness and complexity to cut through the richness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting on top brings the sweet counterpoint that defines a Monte Cristo.
Raspberry Jam: For serving—this bright, fruity contrast against the savory casserole is what makes each bite unforgettable.

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Ham

Cut the brioche into 1-inch cubes and dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. It helps if the bread is a day or two old—it soaks up the custard better.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Add a layer of half the diced ham, then half the shredded Swiss cheese. Repeat with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese to create layers of flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This mixture is the heart of the casserole—it will soak into the bread and bind everything together during baking.

Step 4: Pour and Chill

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, ham, and cheese. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Then bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar and add a dollop of raspberry jam in the center or serve it on the side. Slice and enjoy while warm.

How Long to Cook the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

This casserole bakes best at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden, the edges are puffed and slightly crisp, and the center is set without being jiggly. You can test doneness by inserting a knife in the middle—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If it needs more time, cover it loosely with foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and holds its shape while baking.
Chill Overnight for Best Texture: Letting the casserole sit overnight in the fridge allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, creating a creamier interior.
Don’t Overcrowd with Fillings: Resist the urge to overload it with ham or cheese—it can make the casserole soggy.
Room Temp Before Baking: Allow the dish to sit out for about 20 minutes after refrigeration so it bakes more evenly.
Cover If Browning Too Fast: If the top starts browning before the middle is cooked through, loosely tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Add Jam Just Before Serving: Warm the jam slightly for easy spreading and vibrant flavor contrast.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Chill Time: Baking it right after assembly might result in uneven texture. Chilling lets the custard fully absorb into the bread.
Using Soft, Fresh Bread: Fresh bread can fall apart and create a mushy bottom layer. Go with slightly dried-out bread for structure.
Not Whisking the Custard Enough: If the egg mixture isn’t well-blended, it can lead to streaky or scrambled-egg-like spots in the bake.
Overbaking: Keep a close eye toward the end of the baking time. Overcooked casserole will be dry and rubbery instead of moist and fluffy.
Underseasoning: Ham and cheese provide salt, but the custard still needs seasoning to balance the flavor.
Serving Immediately from the Oven: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the layers can settle and slice neatly.

What to Serve With Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole?

Fresh Berry Salad

A mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

A savory, crunchy side like herb-roasted baby potatoes rounds out the plate with a hearty touch.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

The peppery bite of arugula and the brightness of lemon make this a light, clean pairing.

Maple-Glazed Bacon

The sweet-savory glaze plays perfectly with the raspberry jam topping in the casserole.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

Creamy and slightly tangy, it balances out the richness and provides a cooling bite.

Warm Cinnamon Apples

Sauté sliced apples with butter and cinnamon for a cozy, autumn-friendly pairing.

Sparkling Orange Juice or Mimosa

A bit of citrus and fizz makes this meal feel extra celebratory.

Vanilla Latte or Cold Brew

The mellow sweetness and caffeine kick are always welcome for a morning meal like this.

Storage Instructions

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

Refrigerator: Once cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze individual portions or the entire baked casserole. Wrap well with plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for 2 to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. For single servings, the microwave works fine—just heat in 30-second bursts until hot.

If you froze the casserole, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture.

Estimated Nutrition

The following values are approximate and based on a standard serving (1/8 of a 9×13 casserole):

Calories: 380–420 kcal
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 780mg
Sugar: 7g (includes jam and powdered sugar garnish)

Keep in mind these numbers can shift depending on the type of bread, cheese, and jam you use. You can lighten it up by using leaner ham, low-fat milk, or reducing the cheese a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole the same day without refrigerating overnight?

Yes, you can let it sit for at least 30–60 minutes to soak up the custard if you’re short on time. However, overnight chilling gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Swiss is classic, but Gruyère, provolone, white cheddar, or mozzarella all melt beautifully and add their own spin.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes—just omit the ham and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for a savory alternative.

Can I prep and freeze it before baking?

It’s not recommended to freeze the unbaked custard mixture, as it can separate. It’s better to bake it first, then freeze and reheat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use two 9×13 pans or a larger deep baking dish. You may need to extend the baking time by 10–15 minutes—just test the center for doneness.

How do I keep the top from browning too quickly?

If the casserole is browning too fast, loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a crisp top and evenly warmed interior. Microwave works for quick single servings, but the texture is softer.

Is raspberry jam essential?

Not essential, but highly recommended! It provides that signature sweet contrast. You can try other jams like strawberry, cherry, or even fig.

Conclusion

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole brings together everything I love about weekend brunch: it’s indulgent yet simple, feeds a crowd, and never fails to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday morning, hosting a brunch, or just treating yourself, this dish is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. With its savory ham and cheese layers, custardy bread base, and sweet jam finish, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Make it once—and you’ll know exactly why.