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Crispy Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe Easy Ham Cheese Bake

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A nostalgic and easy-to-make breakfast casserole featuring crispy bread, melted Swiss cheese, and savory ham, perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices sturdy white bread (Texas toast or brioche; crusts removed)
  • 8 ounces sliced smoked ham (about 225 g; honey-glazed preferred)
  • 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded (about 225 g; Jarlsberg or Emmental also work)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml; can substitute almond or oat milk)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
  • Raspberry or strawberry jam (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Remove crusts from bread and cut each slice into halves or thirds to fit the dish.
  2. Arrange half of the bread pieces in the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the ham slices evenly over the bread, followed by half of the Swiss cheese. Repeat layering with remaining bread, ham, and cheese, pressing gently to compact layers.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, vanilla extract (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole, covering all bread pieces. Press down gently with a spatula to help bread soak up custard. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  5. Melt butter and brush evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden crisp crust.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until top is golden brown and custard is set (knife inserted should come out clean). If top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and with raspberry or strawberry jam on the side.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread or lightly toast fresh bread to prevent sogginess. Let custard soak into bread for at least 10 minutes. Brush melted butter on top before baking for crispy crust. Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Rest casserole 10 minutes before cutting. Variations include vegetarian, spicy, gluten-free, and slow cooker methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: Monte Cristo, breakfast casserole, ham and cheese bake, brunch recipe, crispy casserole, easy breakfast, Swiss cheese, ham casserole

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