Golden, melty, and layered with flavor, this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole brings together everything we love about the classic sandwich—but with a cozy baked twist perfect for brunches or holiday mornings. Thick slices of buttery brioche cradle savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a hint of sweetness from a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a casserole that tastes like comfort and looks like a celebration on your plate.

Imagine waking up to a dish that feels both indulgent and nostalgic. This breakfast bake delivers just that—a nod to diner-style Monte Cristo sandwiches, but with the ease of prep-ahead convenience. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself to a slow weekend breakfast, this recipe fits the bill.

Why You’ll Love This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, you’re in for a treat. This casserole takes all the layers of the beloved Monte Cristo and transforms them into a no-fuss bake. It’s great for feeding a crowd, stores well, and reheats like a dream—plus, it’s packed with protein, cheesy richness, and just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.

More reasons to love it:

Perfect for make-ahead mornings or weekend brunches.
Customizable with different meats or cheeses.
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.
Satisfying enough to serve as breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin layering your breakfast masterpiece, make sure you have the right tools to streamline the process:

9×13-inch baking dish: This is your casserole base, ensuring even baking and enough depth for those thick layers of bread, ham, and cheese.
Mixing bowl: You’ll use this to whisk together the egg and milk mixture that binds the casserole.
Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, milk, and seasonings until smooth.
Sharp bread knife: Helps create clean, uniform slices of brioche or challah.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters in the custard mixture.

These basic kitchen tools are all you need to bring this comforting, golden-baked dish to life. A little prep goes a long way, especially since you can assemble it the night before and simply bake in the morning.

Ingredients for the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Brioche or challah bread: Rich and slightly sweet, this forms the base and structure of your casserole.
Sliced ham: The savory backbone of the dish, providing protein and flavor.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, nutty notes that balance the saltiness of the ham.
Eggs: They bind the casserole together and provide that classic custardy texture.
Milk or half-and-half: Helps create the silky egg custard to soak into the bread.
Dijon mustard: Optional, but it adds a gentle tang that enhances the overall flavor.
Powdered sugar: Lightly dusted over the finished bake for that classic Monte Cristo touch.

How To Make the Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

Cut your brioche or challah into thick slices, then layer half of them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure the entire bottom is covered.

Step 2: Add Ham and Cheese

Layer sliced ham over the bread, followed by a generous layer of Swiss cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese to build the casserole.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or half-and-half), a bit of salt, pepper, and optional Dijon mustard. Make sure it’s fully combined.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Carefully pour the custard mixture over the casserole layers, ensuring even coverage. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until golden, puffed, and set.

Step 6: Dust and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving for that signature Monte Cristo look.

How to Serve & Store This Monte Cristo Bake

Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry preserves or maple syrup if you like a little extra sweetness. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a crisp green salad.

To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions by wrapping them in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its richness, challah or even thick-cut white sandwich bread works well too.

Can I prep this casserole the night before?

Yes, and it actually improves the texture. Just cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

Try Gruyère, provolone, or a mild white cheddar for different flavor variations.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread and check that your ham and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Is the powdered sugar necessary?

It’s optional but recommended for that classic Monte Cristo finish. You can skip it or try a light drizzle of maple syrup.

Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole, here are more dishes that combine comfort and creativity:

Try the cozy and savory Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
Craving something cheesy and filling? Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
For a lighter but still indulgent start, the Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza blends freshness with comfort.
Explore fusion flavors with the Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce.
For handheld brunch bites, check out Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or try a fun twist? Maybe added turkey or a sprinkle of nutmeg?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other brunch better!

Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

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Description

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a savory-sweet brunch favorite, layered with brioche, ham, Swiss cheese, and a custardy egg base. Perfect for holiday mornings, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this easy breakfast bake delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. A must-try for fans of Monte Cristo sandwiches!