All the flavors of a classic Monte Cristo sandwich but in brunch or breakfast casserole form! Layers of tender brioche bread with cubed ham, sliced turkey, Swiss and cheddar cheeses are topped with an egg mixture before being baked off to perfection! Make-ahead assembly directions are provided to save time for stress-free busy holiday mornings or before a special brunch.
1poundbrioche breadcut into ¼-inch cubes (French bread may be substituted), divided
½poundsliced deli turkeycut into ½-inch squares, divided
½poundcubed hamcooked (deli ham or use leftover holiday ham), divided
1cupshredded Swiss cheesedivided
1cupshredded cheddar cheesemild or medium cheddar recommended, divided
12large eggs
2cupswhole milk2% milk may be substituted, cashewmilk recommended as a plant-based option
Confectioners' sugaroptional for dusting
Raspberry preserves or jamoptional for dipping or serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F and spray the baking dish well with cooking spray.
Add half of the cubed bread to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Top the bread with half the turkey, half the ham, half the Swiss cheese, and half the cheddar cheese.
Repeat this layering process (bread, meats, cheeses) with the remaining ingredients; set aside momentarily. Tip - If you are prepping this in advance as a make-ahead recipe, stop now. Refrigerate, and bake off the next day. See the Notes at the bottom of the recipe card for more details and info.
To a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, and whisk well to combine.
Evenly pour the mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the center is not jiggly. Baking Tips - All ovens vary and so keep an eye on your casserole and be the judge when it's done or not. I prefer to bake this casserole uncovered, on the middle oven rack, and find it important to rotate my bakish dish once midway through baking for the most even cooking and browning.
Optionally dust with confectioners' sugar (place a bit in a small fine mesh strainer) and dust. Optionally also serve with raspberry jam. Flavor Notes - For me, the dish is a great balance of savory with a bit of sweet. However, if you don't like to mix any sweet flavors with your savory, then omit the confectioners' sugar and jam. Storage - Recipe will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, as desired. For freezer storage, see Notes below.
Notes
Make Ahead Instructions:Simply assemble it the night before, but do not add the egg and milk mixture. Cover it tightly, and store in your fridge for up to 24-48 hours.When you're ready to bake it, be sure to take it out of the fridge for about an hour and let it sit at room temp. Casserole dishes and baking dishes can get very cold in a cold fridge and it's best to bake this after it's had time to come up to room temp! Pour the egg-milk mixture over the top and bake as directed.Freezer Storage: This recipe will keep airtight in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you want to make this with the intention of freezing it to then thaw and serve at a later date, that's fine. You can freeze it in a disposable baking tin, in individual portioned containers, or how ever you can find the space to store it in your freezer. I prefer freezing an already baked casserole so that I'm not freezing raw eggs (in an unbaked casserole) which just adds another layer of concern for the future that I eliminate.To Reheat: I use my microwave for quickness and ease and reheat my leftovers for about 30 seconds on high, or as needed. But you can use your oven, whatever is best suited for you. From frozen, thaw it before you begin reheating it. If you're reheating an entire casserole, I suggest a 325F oven, just to warm it through.