Monte Cristo Casserole is a twist on the classic French sandwich. Perfect for brunches, it's a savory dish brimming with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese enclosed in a luscious custard-soaked bread. Topped with a crumbly brown sugar mix, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This recipe's ingredients are quite common and can be found at your local supermarket. The items that you might need to check are the Dijon mustard and the Swiss cheese. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick enhancing the overall flavor of the casserole. Swiss cheese, on the other hand, is a crucial part of this dish providing a creaminess that pairs well with the other ingredients. Be sure to grab these on your next grocery run.
Key Ingredients for Monte Cristo Casserole
French bread: The base of our casserole; adds a nice crusty texture.
Ham: Adds a smoky flavor.
Turkey breast: A lean protein that complements the ham.
Swiss cheese: Melts harmoniously providing creaminess.
Eggs: The binding ingredient that holds the casserole together.
Whole milk: Creates a rich custard.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
Sugar: Balances the savory components.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat.
Unsalted butter: Adds a buttery flavor to the topping.
Flour: Thickens the topping.
Brown sugar: Provides a sweet crust topping.
One reader, Cesare Lerner says:
This Monte Cristo casserole recipe is a game-changer! It's a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, and the flavors are simply divine. The combination of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese in a custard-soaked bread is a winner. Plus, the brown sugar topping adds a perfect touch of sweetness. It's a must-try!
Key Techniques for Making a Perfect Monte Cristo Casserole
How to layer the casserole: Layer the baking dish with half of the bread, followed by the ham, turkey, and cheese, and then top with the remaining bread.
How to make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture over the layered bread carefully.
How to make the brown sugar topping: In a small bowl, mash together the unsalted butter, flour, and brown sugar. Sprinkle the brown sugar topping over the bread before baking.
How to serve: Top the baked casserole with powdered sugar and jam if desired before serving.
How To Make Monte Cristo Casserole
Monte Cristo is a classic sandwich with ham, turkey, and egg custard. In this recipe, it’s baked and served with jam and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 16ozFrench bread,(1 loaf), sliced
- 6slicesham
- 12slicesturkey breast
- 8ozSwiss cheese,sliced
- 8eggs,large
- 2cupswhole milk
- 2tbspdijon mustard
- 2tspsugar
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspcoarse ground black pepper
For Topping:
- ½cupunsalted butter,softened
- ¼cupflour
- ½cupbrown sugar,packed
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray an 8×10-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
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Line the baking dish with half of the bread.
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Layer with ham, turkey, cheese and the rest of the bread.
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In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, dijon mustard, sugar, salt and pepper until smooth.
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Pour mixture over the bread carefully.
-
In a small bowl mash together the unsalted butter, flour and brown sugar.
-
Sprinkle brown sugar topping over the bread and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the custard is set and the croissants are golden brown.
-
Top with powdered sugar and jam if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 493.49kcal
- Fat: 24.82g
- Saturated Fat: 12.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.32g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.68g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.89g
- Carbohydrates: 32.12g
- Fiber: 1.20g
- Sugar: 10.75g
- Protein: 34.33g
- Cholesterol: 208.41mg
- Sodium: 561.55mg
- Calcium: 254.46mg
- Potassium: 429.89mg
- Iron: 3.25mg
- Vitamin A: 172.59µg
- Vitamin C: 0.57mg
Expert Tip for Achieving the Best Results with Monte Cristo Casserole
To ensure that your Monte Cristo Casserole is moist and flavorful, it's important to soak the bread thoroughly in the egg mixture. Don't rush this step. Allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture for a few minutes before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the bread to become custardy, which is a key characteristic of a traditional Monte Cristo.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Casserole Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and utensils before you start cooking to save time and avoid last-minute scrambling.
Use pre-cooked ingredients: Utilize pre-cooked or pre-prepared ingredients such as pre-sliced deli meats and pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.
One-pot meals: Opt for one-pot or one-pan recipes to minimize the number of dishes and cooking tools needed, saving time on cleanup.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of certain components, such as sauces or fillings, and store them for future use to streamline the cooking process.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe measurements and instructions to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Substitute Ingredients For Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe
french bread - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar texture and density to French bread, making it a suitable substitute for this casserole recipe.
ham - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto offers a similar salty and savory flavor profile to ham, adding a delicious twist to the casserole.
turkey breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for turkey breast, providing a lean and versatile protein option for the casserole.
swiss cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese has a rich and nutty flavor similar to Swiss cheese, making it a great alternative for this casserole.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in this recipe, providing binding and moisture to the casserole.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to whole milk, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the casserole.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor to Dijon mustard, enhancing the taste of the casserole.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a delightful hint of maple flavor to the casserole.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the casserole.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the casserole, replacing the black pepper.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Monte Cristo Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the monte cristo casserole, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the dish to showcase the layers of bread, ham, turkey, and cheese.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of vibrancy to the dish by garnishing with freshly picked herbs such as parsley or chives. The pop of green will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Utilize contrasting colors: Incorporate visually striking elements such as a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a contrast against the golden brown casserole, adding depth and intrigue to the plating.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers such as pansies or nasturtiums on the plate. The addition of edible flowers adds a whimsical and luxurious touch to the presentation.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the monte cristo casserole with precision, paying attention to symmetry and balance. A well-organized and symmetrical presentation exudes professionalism and attention to detail.
Use high-quality serving ware: Opt for elegant and refined serving platters or individual plates to showcase the casserole. The choice of serving ware can elevate the overall presentation and create a lasting impression on the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Casserole Recipes
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making dough, sauces, and various other culinary preparations.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, marinating meats, and preparing various recipes. It comes in different sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, and ceramic.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Monte Cristo Casserole
Here are the detailed instructions for storing and freezing monte cristo casserole:
- Let the casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.
- To store in the refrigerator:
- Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- To freeze the entire casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the casserole with the name and date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- To freeze individual portions:
- Cut the cooled casserole into individual serving sizes.
- Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label with the name and date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, remove the desired number of portions from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Always ensure that the casserole is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure food safety.
How To Reheat Leftover Monte Cristo Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover monte cristo casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top layer of bread.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also reheat the casserole in an air fryer. Cut the leftover casserole into individual portions and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the exterior is crispy.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat individual portions of the casserole in the microwave. Place a slice of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven or air fryer reheating.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover casserole, try slicing it into thick pieces and pan-frying them in a bit of butter or oil. This will give the exterior a crispy, golden-brown finish while warming the interior. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat.
For a more indulgent reheating option, you can transform your leftover casserole into French toast. Cut the casserole into thick slices, dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, and cook them on a griddle or in a pan with butter until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and your favorite syrup or jam.
Interesting Trivia About the Origins of Monte Cristo Casserole
Monte Cristo Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sandwich. It combines the flavors of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese with a custard-like mixture, all baked to perfection. This dish is a great option for brunch or a special weekend breakfast.
Is Making Monte Cristo Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?
This monte cristo casserole recipe offers a moderate cost-effectiveness for a household. The combination of ham, turkey breast, and swiss cheese may require a slightly higher initial investment, but the dish yields generous portions, making it suitable for multiple servings. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $20-$25. The flavorful outcome and the ability to repurpose leftover ingredients contribute to its value. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Monte Cristo Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Monte Cristo Casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the generous amounts of bread, cheese, ham, and turkey. The eggs and whole milk contribute to the high calorie count, while the butter and brown sugar topping add even more fat and sugar to the dish. Additionally, processed meats like ham and turkey are often high in sodium and preservatives, which can be detrimental to overall health when consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use whole grain or multigrain bread instead of French bread to increase fiber content
- Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Choose lean, low-sodium ham and turkey breast
- Replace some of the whole eggs with egg whites to reduce cholesterol
- Substitute whole milk with a lower-fat alternative, such as 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk
- Decrease the amount of butter and brown sugar in the topping, or replace it with a healthier alternative like a sprinkle of rolled oats mixed with a small amount of honey and olive oil
Editor's Opinion on the Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe
This Monte Cristo casserole recipe is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich. The layers of French bread, ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese are bound together with a rich and flavorful custard. The brown sugar topping adds a delightful sweetness and crunch. The dish bakes to golden perfection, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. The addition of powdered sugar and jam provides a lovely finishing touch, adding a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of a Monte Cristo sandwich in a casserole form.
Enhance Your Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Monte Cristo Casserole
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Monte Cristo Casserole
Why trust this Monte Cristo Casserole Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, using French bread as the base for a delicious Monte Cristo casserole. The layers of ham, turkey breast, and Swiss cheese are a testament to its authenticity. The custard made with eggs, whole milk, and a hint of Dijon mustard adds a rich and savory flavor. The topping, a blend of unsalted butter, flour, and brown sugar, creates a delightful caramelized finish. This recipe promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a trustworthy choice for any occasion.
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