Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

A Monte Cristo sandwich has long been a beloved comfort food, combining the savory flavors of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese with the sweetness of French toast. But what if you could take this classic dish and transform it into a crowd-pleasing casserole? Enter the Monte Cristo Casserole—a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch option that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or lazy weekend mornings. With all the flavors of the iconic Monte Cristo sandwich baked into a warm, comforting casserole, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

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This Monte Cristo Casserole takes the familiar elements of a Monte Cristo sandwich and layers them into a casserole format, making it a breeze to prepare. By using cinnamon French toast sticks as the base, you get that sweet, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory fillings of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese. The eggs and milk mixture binds everything together, creating a custard-like texture that’s soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crispy top. Topped with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, this casserole takes on the sweet-savory profile of the traditional Monte Cristo sandwich while being easy to serve and enjoy. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd without the need for individual sandwiches. Plus, you can prepare it the night before and let the oven do all the work in the morning—talk about convenience!

Ingredients Breakdown: The Key to a Perfect Monte Cristo Casserole

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this casserole a showstopper.

1. Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
The base of this casserole is made with cinnamon French toast sticks, which provide that warm, spiced sweetness that defines a Monte Cristo sandwich. These pre-made sticks are convenient, but they also give the dish a depth of flavor that is both comforting and delicious. If you prefer, you can use regular French toast slices, but the cinnamon flavor pairs exceptionally well with the savory elements in the casserole.

2. Deli Ham and Deli Turkey
Both deli ham and deli turkey are used in this recipe, adding the classic savory elements that give a Monte Cristo sandwich its distinct taste. The combination of the two meats provides a balanced flavor profile, with the richness of the ham complementing the mild, tender turkey. Be sure to dice them into small pieces so they mix well with the other ingredients and distribute evenly throughout the casserole.

3. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a traditional choice for a Monte Cristo sandwich, thanks to its nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. In this casserole, shredded Swiss cheese is mixed in with the other ingredients, ensuring that each bite has a creamy, cheesy richness. It also helps to bind everything together, adding both texture and flavor.

4. Parsley
Chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness to the casserole. Not only does it enhance the overall flavor, but it also adds a pop of color that makes the dish more visually appealing. You can substitute parsley with other fresh herbs like thyme or chives, depending on your preference, but parsley works perfectly here.

5. Eggs and Milk
The eggs and milk mixture is what makes this casserole similar to a savory French toast bake. The eggs create a custard-like texture, binding everything together and infusing the casserole with a rich, creamy consistency. The milk adds moisture, helping the casserole stay tender and fluffy as it bakes.

6. Strawberries and Powdered Sugar
While the casserole itself is savory, the topping of sliced strawberries and powdered sugar adds a sweet finish that mimics the sweet-savory flavor profile of the Monte Cristo sandwich. The fresh strawberries provide a juicy contrast to the richness of the casserole, while the powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Monte Cristo Casserole

Now that we know what goes into this dish, let’s walk through the process of making it. This casserole is surprisingly simple to prepare, and it comes together in just a few steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly golden and delicious. While the oven heats up, gather and prepare the ingredients as listed. Cut the cinnamon French toast sticks into cubes, dice the ham and turkey, shred the Swiss cheese, and chop the parsley. This will make assembling the casserole quicker and easier.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Start by layering the first five ingredients in a 9×12-inch baking dish. Begin with the cubed cinnamon French toast sticks, ensuring they’re spread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the diced deli ham, followed by the diced turkey. Then, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese and chopped parsley on top of the meat. This layering creates a beautiful base for the egg mixture to soak into.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. You want to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the milk, creating a smooth, uniform mixture. Once the egg mixture is ready, evenly pour it over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. The egg mixture will soak into the French toast cubes, ensuring that every bite is rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the egg mixture has set and the top is golden and slightly crispy. The casserole should puff up as it bakes, creating a beautiful, comforting dish that smells amazing as it comes out of the oven.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the casserole to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice into squares. While the casserole rests, hull and slice the strawberries for the topping. Once the casserole has cooled slightly, cut it into squares and top with the fresh strawberries. Finally, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Monte Cristo Casserole

Monte Cristo Casserole is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes. Here are some serving suggestions to make this dish even more enjoyable:

1. Pair with a Side Salad
   Serve the casserole alongside a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. The crispness of the salad will balance out the richness of the casserole, providing a refreshing contrast.
2. Add Some Breakfast Sides
   For a full breakfast or brunch spread, consider serving the casserole with other classic breakfast items such as crispy bacon, breakfast potatoes, or scrambled eggs. This will create a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
3. Top with More Cheese
   If you love cheese, consider adding extra shredded Swiss cheese on top of the casserole before baking. This will create an even more indulgent, cheesy layer that adds extra flavor.
4. Experiment with Fruit
   While strawberries are the traditional topping, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced bananas would make delicious alternatives. The sweet fruit pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the casserole.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make changes based on your preferences or dietary needs:

1. Gluten-Free Option
   To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread or French toast sticks. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free options that will work perfectly in this dish.
2. Vegetarian Version
   If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this casserole, you can easily omit the ham and turkey and replace them with vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You could also add a layer of caramelized onions for extra flavor.
3. Dairy-Free Option
   To make this casserole dairy-free, you can substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese options and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. There are many great alternatives available that melt well and will still give you that creamy texture.
4. Use Different Meats
   If you don’t have deli ham or turkey on hand, feel free to swap them out for other types of deli meats, such as chicken, roast beef, or even bacon. Each option will bring a unique flavor to the casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Monte Cristo Casserole

Monte Cristo Casserole is more than just a delicious breakfast dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both sweet and savory flavors. The cinnamon French toast sticks add a touch of sweetness, while the savory ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese create a satisfying and hearty meal. The fresh strawberries and powdered sugar on top give it that signature Monte Cristo twist, making it perfect for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or a special weekend breakfast. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy mornings. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying it with your loved ones, this casserole is sure to impress and become a favorite in your recipe collection.