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–+ servings
Monte Cristo casserole slices on white plates with raspberry jam and powdered sugar.

Monte Cristo French Toast Breakfast Casserole

40aprons.com/monte-cristo-baked-french-toast-casserole/
This easy French toast casserole is everything you love about the classic Monte Cristo sandwich, transformed into an irresistible one-pan wonder! Layers of French bread soak in a rich vanilla custard, while honey ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese melt into perfection, and that buttery brown sugar base caramelizes into pure heaven. Your new holiday brunch favorite!
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total 1 hour
Recipe Makes (Approximate): 10

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Small saucepan
  • medium mixing bowl
  • whisk

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 8 ounces French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, about 8 cups)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar
  • 6 ounces honey ham (about 6 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 6 ounces deli turkey (about 6 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 6 ounces Swiss cheese (about 6 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • ½ cup raspberry preserves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup white sugar until dissolved and smooth.
  • Pour the butter-sugar mixture into the bottom of the baking pan and spread evenly.
  • In a medium bowl, toss together 8 oz French bread cut into cubes, 3 slices honey ham cut into 1-inch pieces, 3 slices deli turkey cut into 1-inch pieces, and 3 slices Swiss cheese cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Spread the bread mixture evenly over the butter-sugar layer.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk 6 eggs, 2 cups milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until blended.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  • Sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Remove from oven. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired and serve with 1/2 cup raspberry preserves.

Recipe Notes

Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter substitute and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Replace Swiss with your favorite dairy-free cheese.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute with sturdy gluten-free bread, preferably a day old.
Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 45-60 seconds.
Make-Ahead Tip: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld!
Serving Suggestions: Delicious with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or breakfast potatoes on the side.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 381calProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 433mgPotassium: 201mgTotal Carbs: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 23gNet Carbs: 37gVitamin A: 505IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 246mgIron: 2mg
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
https://40aprons.com/monte-cristo-baked-french-toast-casserole/