Description
This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring thick-cut brioche, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all soaked in a rich egg custard with a hint of Dijon mustard. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing brunch or special breakfast, this casserole offers a satisfying golden crust dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole
- 8 cups thick-cut brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Preparation
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure an easy release and encourage a golden crust.
- Layer the Bread: Tear half of the brioche into thick cubes and evenly distribute them in the buttered baking dish to form a solid base layer.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Sprinkle half of the diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the bread layer to build flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining brioche cubes on top, followed by the rest of the ham and cheese, ensuring a deliciously cheesy center.
- Mix Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Soak the Casserole: Gently pour the egg mixture over the assembled casserole, pressing down lightly to allow all the bread to soak up the custard evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to overnight to let the flavors meld and the bread absorb the custard well.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the custard is set.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm for a perfect sweet and savory breakfast experience.
Notes
- Using brioche or challah bread gives the casserole a rich, buttery flavor that complements the savory ingredients beautifully.
- Refrigerating the casserole before baking helps the bread absorb the egg custard thoroughly, resulting in a custardy, tender texture.
- Powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ham and cheese.
- Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before, making it convenient for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
