This Monte Cristo Casserole has layers of ham, turkey and Swiss cheese all baked into one delicious casserole. Serve it with your favorite jam or maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar! It’s as good as the classic monte Cristo sandwich.
Life is busy this time of year I know, so simple and fast dinners are game changers and life savers.
This Monte Cristo Casserole is one of those quick and easy meals and it’s absolutely delicious. We all love these monte cristo sliders, so I knew turning it into a casserole was going to be just good and well-loved around here.
I’ve been making Monte Cristo sandwiches for years, but I’ve never posted the recipe, not sure why because we LOVE them! So when I made a casserole version a few months ago, I made sure I took some photos after it got the thumbs up from my boys.
Then Thanksgiving rolled around and I was busy making and posting Thanksgiving recipes. I took a couple breaths and dove right into my 12 Days of Sugar.
So I’ve been very patiently waiting to share this Monte Cristo Casserole with you and I’m excited that I finally can.
This starts with a loaf of store bought French or Italian bread (either one is fine) and then has layers of deli ham, turkey and Swiss cheese. Followed with a delicious mixture of eggs, half & half, nutmeg (don’t leave this out!) and pepper that is poured over the top. It’s then baked and served with a dusting of powdered sugar and either maple syrup or your favorite jam (we love this best with raspberry or strawberry jam).
FOR THIS RECIPE YOU WILL NEED:
- A loaf of french bread
- Sliced deli ham
- Sliced deli turkey
- Swiss cheese
- Eggs
- Half & half
- Nutmeg
- Pepper
WHAT IS A MONTE CRISTO?
A monte cristo is basically a French Toast Sandwich. It usually has turkey, ham, cheese, eggs, and jam nestled between two slices of thick bread.
CAN I USE DIFFERENT CHEESE?
Of course you can, but I would stick with either Swiss, provolone, Havarti or gruyere. I wouldn’t use something like pepper jack or sharp cheddar.
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Monte Cristo Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Description
This Monte Cristo Casserole has layers of ham, turkey and Swiss cheese all baked into one delicious casserole. Serve it with your favorite jam or maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar! It’s as good as the classic monte Cristo sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) French or Italian bread, cut into 18–20 slices
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 pound sliced deli ham
- 1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese
- 1/2 pound sliced deli turkey
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half & half
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated or ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you have it)
- Grated Swiss or gruyere cheese (about 3/4 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Line a greased 13×9-in. baking dish with half of the bread. Spread mustard over bread (if using). Layer with ham, cheese, turkey and top with remaining bread slices(dish will be full).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half & half, nutmeg and pepper. Pour over bread. Top with grated Swiss or gruyere cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and cheese has melted.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and your favorite jam or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Holy moly this sounds so good. On my list for sure!:)
Can you freeze this before baking?
★★★★★
Hi Sherry! I haven’t ever tried freezing this before, but I think it would work ok. I would cover the dish with plastic wrap and press down on the bread. Add another layer of plastic wrap and then with foil and freeze. Be sure to write the baking directions on the foil. To bake after freezing, thaw completely and bake as directed. Let me know if you give it a try.
I looked up every Monte Cristo casserole and yours is absolutely the most authentic! However, can I put this in the refrigerator overnight?
Thanks
Hi! I haven’t ever made this ahead of time and put it in the fridge overnight, so I’m not sure how it will turn out. I’m guessing it would be ok, but I can’t say for sure.
This was delicious! I prepared it the night before and let it sit on the counter for an hour or so before baking. Rave Reviews!
So happy you loved this! Thanks Cheri!
Hi Cheri,
Was the casserole soggy on the bottom after all night in fridg?
Thanks,
Cathy
Can I use a brioche style loaf of bread?
Absolutely Darlene! That would be delicioius!
Hi Jodi! Thanks. I’m trying your original recipe first.. wish me luck..question though, it doesn’t seem like there is enough egg mixture to fully soak the Italian bread. Is this normal??
Yeah you don’t want the bread fully soaked in egg mixture.