Pin It My neighbor brought this to a Saturday morning gathering, and I watched everyone go quiet after the first bite. The sweet cinnamon custard mingled with savory ham and nutty Swiss cheese in a way that felt both indulgent and comforting. I asked for the recipe before she even set the dish down. Now it's my go-to whenever I want to impress without spending the whole morning in the kitchen.
I made this for my sister's birthday brunch last spring, and she kept sneaking back to the pan for just one more corner piece. The edges get crispy and caramelized while the center stays custardy and rich. She told me it tasted like the fancy diner version of French toast she used to order in college, but better because it came with melted cheese and chunks of turkey in every bite.
Ingredients
- French bread: Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning to mush, and the crust adds texture.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and create that fluffy, soufflé-like center when baked.
- Whole milk: The fat content makes the custard rich and creamy, don't skimp with skim.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon adds warmth and depth that balances the savory elements.
- Ground cinnamon: This is what makes it taste like a Monte Cristo instead of just a savory strata.
- Swiss cheese: It melts beautifully and has that nutty, mild flavor that doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
- Cooked ham: Choose a good quality deli ham or leftover holiday ham for the best flavor.
- Cooked turkey or chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my shortcut, just shred and chop it.
- Powdered sugar: A dusting on top brings the sweetness that makes this dish sing.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup is worth it here, the flavor is incomparable.
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and adds a little extra richness to the edges.
- Layer the base:
- Toss the bread cubes with chopped ham and turkey in a large bowl, then spread the mixture evenly in your prepared dish. Press down gently so everything sits flat and even.
- Make the custard:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well blended. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the bread, making sure every piece gets coated.
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top in an even layer. It will melt down into golden pockets of gooey goodness.
- Let it rest:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so the bread can soak up all that custard. If you prepped it the night before, just pull it straight from the fridge.
- Bake covered:
- Slide the covered dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam and helps the casserole cook evenly without drying out.
- Finish uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing into generous squares. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup right before serving.
Pin It The first time I served this, my husband poured syrup over his slice and then paused mid-bite with this look of surprise. He said it reminded him of the Monte Cristo his mom used to order at a little café they'd visit on road trips. I hadn't planned on recreating a memory, but somehow this casserole did it anyway.
Making It Ahead
Assemble the whole thing the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, pull it out while the oven preheats and bake as directed, adding maybe five extra minutes since it's starting cold. This trick has saved me more than once when hosting overnight guests.
Swaps and Variations
I've swapped Gruyère for half the Swiss when I want a sharper, more sophisticated flavor. Bacon or crumbled sausage work beautifully in place of ham or turkey if you want a breakfast-leaning twist. Once I even added a handful of sautéed mushrooms and it turned out incredible.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich, so I like to serve it with fresh fruit on the side, berries or sliced peaches work perfectly. A light green salad with a tart vinaigrette balances the sweetness if you're serving it for brunch. Coffee is non-negotiable.
- Top with a dollop of raspberry jam for an extra Monte Cristo touch.
- Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for those who want more protein.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or chives if you want to add a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
Pin It This casserole has become my secret weapon for easy entertaining, and I love how it makes everyone feel like they're getting something special. It's comfort food with just enough elegance to make any morning feel like a celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for overnight preparation. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. The extra chilling time actually helps the bread absorb more flavor.
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
French bread is ideal because its sturdy texture holds up well during soaking and baking without becoming mushy. You can also use sourdough, challah, or a hearty white sandwich bread. Avoid very soft breads like standard sandwich white bread as they may disintegrate. For best results, use bread that's slightly stale or dry—it will absorb the custard beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the meats?
Absolutely. While the traditional combination of ham and turkey creates the classic Monte Cristo flavor, you can customize based on preference. Bacon, sausage, chicken, or even deli roast beef work well. For a vegetarian version, try sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers, though you'll want to adjust seasonings to compensate for the savory meat flavor.
- → Why add powdered sugar and maple syrup to a savory dish?
This sweet-savory combination is the hallmark of Monte Cristo flavors. The powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness that balances the salty ham and turkey, while pure maple syrup provides rich depth and complements the cinnamon and vanilla in the custard. It's the same flavor profile that makes Monte Cristo sandwiches so beloved—the contrast enhances all the flavors rather than overpowering them.
- → How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when it's set and no longer jiggly in the center, the top is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, not wet with uncooked egg. If the top is browning too quickly before the center is set, loosely tent with foil for the remaining baking time.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
Fresh fruit is a natural choice—berries, sliced melon, or a fruit salad provide brightness and balance the richness. For a more substantial brunch, consider crispy oven-roasted potatoes, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus. Hot coffee, tea, or mimosas round out the meal perfectly.