Turn the flavors of the classic sandwich into a great sweet and savory Monte Cristo breakfast casserole. This recipe has layers of ham, cheese, raspberry jam, eggs and more baked into a tasty brunch entrée.

Plate of monte cristo casserole with ham and cheese topped with powdered sugar.

Breakfast casseroles are perfect for holiday brunches or just to celebrate a weekend morning. This Monte Cristo casserole is easy to put together and can be assembled ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven and enjoy your family in the morning.

Have you ever enjoyed a Monte Cristo sandwich? This deli staple includes savory ham and cheese between two slices of bread.

The bread is then dunked in an egg mixture and griddled. They are usually served dusted with powdered sugar and a bit of raspberry preserves.

freshly baked monte cristo casserole with golden brown top, fresh from the oven.

Pouring maple syrup over a piece of monte cristo brunch bake.

This brunch bake takes that idea and turns it into a casserole. That way you can prep it ahead of time and feed the whole family at once.

It is great for a holiday brunch. Imagine serving it at Easter, Mother’s Day, or even Christmas morning. We also love it as a breakfast for dinner option.

Making the Casserole

Start by making your sandwiches. I used croissants to make it feel extra special, but you can use slices of brioche or French bread if you prefer

Rather than serving the raspberry jam on the side, I spread it inside. Then layer it up with plenty of delicious shaved ham.

I used a Virginia style ham this time to accentuate the savory side of the casserole, but you can use your favorite kind of ham.

Tray of croissants, ham, swiss cheese and raspberry preserves.

Eggs, milk and mustard ready to be made into custard.

Next comes a layer of cheese. Swiss cheese is the classic, but this is another place where you can make it your own.

Layer the sandwiches in a greased baking dish. I used a square dish for a thicker slice, but you can save some bake time if you make it thinner in a 9×13″ pan.

Now mix together eggs and half and half. I like stirring in some Dijon mustard for another layer of flavor.

Ham, cheese and raspberry sandwiches arranged in baking dish.

Custard soaked sandwiches in pan, ready to bake.

I found out how good a little mustard is in eggs when making a ham and asparagus frittata several years ago. Now I use it all the time.

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Now cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least an hour but for up to two days. Then just toss it in the oven when you are ready.

Doing the prep work ahead of time allows you to spend time with your family or guests rather than in the kitchen. You get to serve a fun and unique casserole with plenty of ham, cheese, and eggs while still getting to make memories with your family.

That is especially important on holiday mornings. So prep ahead to enjoy a great breakfast with your family!

Serving Suggestions

Like a lot of our favorite egg bakes, this casserole combines sweets and savory notes. You can make some easy changes to accentuate either flavor profile.

For a more savory option, reduce or eliminate the raspberry preserves. Feel free to add more ham and cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper as well.

Lifting a slice of monte cristo casserole out of the pan.

Piece of monte cristo casserole topped with powdered sugar, ready to enjoy.

To accentuate the sweet notes, liberally sprinkle on the powdered sugar. Or play up the French toast aspects of the casserole and serve with a little bit of maple syrup.

The options are almost endless!

Storage

Cover the leftovers, or put them in an airtight container, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. They reheat well in the microwave.

Can Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole be Frozen?

Yes! If you need to assemble the casserole more than a couple of days in advance, use the freezer to help you.

To freeze an already baked casserole, cool it completely. Cover tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw completely, and bake covered in the oven at 350ºF until warm.

To freeze an unbaked casserole, cover the dish rightly with plastic wrap then cover the dish with foil and freeze. To bake after freezing, thaw completely and bake according to the recipe directions.

4.89 from 76 ratings

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Author: Carlee

Servings: Servings

Prep: 15

Cook: 1

Additional Time 2

Total: 3 15

Ingredients

Instructions

Grease baking dish, use a square baking dish for a taller casserole or a 9×13-inch pan for a quicker bake time.
Assemble sandwiches by cutting 6 large croissants in half. Spread 3 Tablespoon raspberry preservesome raspberry preserves over one side. Layer with some of the ham and a slice of cheese. Top with the other half of the croissant.
Cut the sandwiches in half and arrange in the greased baking dish.
Whisk together the 7 eggs, 2 cups half and half and 1½ Tablespoons Dijon mustard. Pour over the croissants in the pan. Lightly press the croissants into the egg mixture if needed to let them soak it up.
Cover with plastic wrap then chill the casserole for at least an hour but for up to two days.
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator when you preheat the oven to 375°F.
Remove the plastic wrap and cover the casserole with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake fore at least 20 more minutes or until the eggs are set in the center. (If using a 9×13-inch pan, reduce the covered bake time to 30 minutes.)
Let sit for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.