I honestly wasn’t prepared for how quickly this dish would disappear from the breakfast table the first time I made Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It combines everything I love about the classic sandwich—salty ham, turkey, and melting cheese—with a custardy, French toast-style base that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of recipe that makes me look like a brunch pro without actually having to stand over the stove flipping sandwiches all morning.
If you enjoy recipes with turkey, you might also love my Southwest Turkey Burgers Recipe for another flavorful twist. If you are looking for that perfect balance of sweet raspberry jam and savory Dijon mustard, this casserole is going to become your new weekend favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb French bread
Ideally, you want a loaf that has been cut into 1-inch cubes, which usually equals about 14 cups. If you can, buy the bread a day or two early so it dries out slightly, as this helps it soak up the custard better without falling apart. - 8 large eggs
These are the backbone of the custard that binds everything together. Make sure they are fresh and beaten thoroughly so you don’t end up with scramble-like bits in your finished casserole. - 2 1/2 cups whole milk
This provides the rich, creamy liquid needed to soften the bread and create that pudding-like interior texture. While you could swap for 2%, whole milk really delivers the best richness. - 4 tsp Dijon mustard
This is the secret weapon that cuts through the richness of the eggs and cheese. It adds that signature tangy kick essential to any true Monte Cristo experience. - 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Salt enhances all the savory flavors of the meat and cheese. Kosher salt is preferred here because its coarser grain dissolves evenly during cooking. - 1/2 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds just a hint of warmth and spice to balance the sweetness of the upcoming jam topping. - 8 oz deli smoked ham
You will need about two thick slices cut into cubes. The smokiness of the ham pairs perfectly with the sweet toppings, providing a salty contrast. - 8 oz deli smoked turkey
Similar to the ham, you want thick slices cubed up. Using both meats gives the casserole a complex flavor profile that mimics the classic diner sandwich. You can also explore more turkey dishes like the Southwest Turkey Burgers Recipe for creative ways to enjoy this protein. - 8 oz Gruyère cheese
Shred this yourself for the best melting factor. This cheese is nutty and salty, offering a sophisticated flavor that elevates the dish beyond a standard breakfast bake. - 3 Tbsp seedless raspberry jam
This provides the essential sweet element that makes a Monte Cristo famous. Seedless is best for a smooth drizzle that doesn’t add unwanted texture. - 1 tsp tap water
You only need a tiny splash to help thin out the jam so it becomes a pourable glaze rather than a sticky clump. - Powdered sugar
A light dusting right before serving gives it that classic bistro aesthetic and adds a final touch of sweetness. - Fresh strawberries
These are optional but highly recommended for a fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the heaviness of the cheese and meat. - Cooking spray
Essential for ensuring your casserole doesn’t stick to the baking dish, making cleanup much easier later on.
Note: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences without losing the spirit of the dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can easily swap the whole milk for a creamy oat milk or almond milk, though the custard might be slightly less rich. For the cheese, use a high-quality vegan melting cheese, or simply omit it and add more savory herbs.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the French bread with a sturdy loaf of gluten-free bread. Just be sure to toast the cubes a bit longer in the oven first, as gluten-free bread can sometimes become mushy faster than wheat bread.
- Meat Lovers Twist: If you aren’t a fan of turkey, double up on the ham, or introduce cooked bacon crumbles for an extra salty crunch. Even cooked sausage works well if you want a heartier, country-style flavor profile.
- Sweetness Control: If you prefer a more savory breakfast, skip the powdered sugar dusting and serve the raspberry jam on the side rather than drizzling it over the top. This lets guests control their own sweet-to-savory ratio.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
Used to hold all the ingredients while they bake into a bubbly, golden casserole. - Large rimmed baking sheet
Needed for toasting the bread cubes initially to ensure they don’t get soggy. - Large mixing bowl
Essential for whisking the eggs and milk, and then tossing the bread and meat mixture. - Whisk
Used to thoroughly blend the eggs, milk, and spices into a smooth custard. - Small microwave-safe bowl
Required for heating the jam and water mixture to create the drizzle. - Spatula or large spoon
Helpful for folding the bread into the egg mixture and transferring it to the baking dish.
How to Make Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Prepare Your Oven and Bread
Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it is ready to go when you are done prepping. Coat your baking dish with cooking spray, then spread your bread cubes on a baking sheet to toast them slightly in the oven for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Create the Custard Base
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is completely uniform. This ensures that every bite of the casserole will have consistent seasoning and flavor throughout.
Combine the Ingredients
Add the toasted bread, cubed ham, cubed turkey, and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the egg mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the bread has soaked up most of the liquid, which prevents dry spots in the final dish.
Bake the Casserole
Pour the bread mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the top. Bake this in the oven for about 55 minutes until it is golden brown, covering it with foil if the top gets dark too quickly.
Prepare the Glaze
While the casserole is resting after baking, mix the raspberry jam and water in a small bowl. Microwave it for about 30 seconds at a time until it becomes a smooth, syrupy consistency that is easy to pour.
Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by dusting the top with powdered sugar and drizzling the warm raspberry syrup all over. If you like, add some fresh sliced strawberries on top for a pop of color and freshness before serving immediately.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I find that using stale bread actually works better than fresh bread because it acts like a sponge for the custard. If I buy a fresh loaf, I leave the cubes out on the counter overnight to dry out, which prevents the casserole from having a mushy bottom layer.
- Personally, I recommend shredding the Gruyère cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded bags. The pre-shredded kind has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, and you really want those gooey, stretchy cheese pulls in this dish.
- When I want to add a little extra depth, I sometimes mix a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper into the egg custard. It sounds strange, but the nutmeg highlights the creamy dairy, while the cayenne adds a tiny background heat that plays well against the sweet jam.
How to Serve Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is a showstopper on its own, but presentation is key to making it feel like a fancy brunch. I like to serve it straight from the baking dish while it’s still warm and bubbling, allowing guests to scoop out their own portions.
To balance the richness of the cheese and meats, serve it alongside a crisp, acidic side dish. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit salad works wonders to cleanse the palate. For beverages, hot coffee is a classic choice, but mimosas or fresh orange juice really complement the brunch vibes perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Here is a quick look at the estimated nutrition per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing in Advance
You can easily assemble the main components of this casserole the night before you plan to serve it. Combine the bread, meat, cheese, and egg mixture in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and let it sit in the fridge overnight to let the flavors meld perfectly.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before covering it. It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three or four days without losing too much texture.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a minute or place the whole dish back in the oven covered with foil at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This helps crisp up the top again while warming the center through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Balance:
This dish perfectly marries savory and sweet flavors in every single bite. The salty ham and nutty cheese contrast beautifully with the raspberry jam, creating a sophisticated taste that feels indulgent and satisfying. - Perfect for Crowds:
It is incredibly difficult to cook individual sandwiches for a large group of people while keeping them all hot. This casserole solves that problem by feeding up to 12 people at once with minimal active cooking time. - Make-Ahead Convenience:
The ability to prep everything the night before makes this a lifesaver for holidays like Christmas morning or Mother’s Day. You can wake up, pop it in the oven, and enjoy your coffee while breakfast cooks itself. - Customizable Ingredients:
Whether you need to use up leftover holiday ham or want to swap cheeses, this recipe is very forgiving. It serves as a perfect canvas for whatever savory meats and cheeses you happen to have in your fridge.
