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This Monte Cristo bake flips the classic sandwich into a yummy morning dish you'll want at every weekend brunch. Since you make it ahead, it's a chill way to host without any last-minute panic.
First go with this breakfast bake was at a totally unplanned Christmas brunch. Everyone raved about the smoky ham with melty Swiss and that sneaky dash of raspberry jam. Now, it's our must-have Sunday tradition.
Tasty Ingredients
- 4 large eggs: They make everything creamy and help it all stick together
- 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half: Adds creamy richness without piling on heavy calories
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Brings a hint of sharp flavor that goes great with the ham
- Just a pinch of nutmeg: It quietly boosts the flavor without taking over
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season how you like it best
- 6 cups stale French bread, cubed: The slightly dry bread really soaks up the egg mixture well
- 225 grams ham: Pick a flavorful smoked ham if you can
- 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly and its nutty taste pairs so well with the ham
Step-By-Step Directions
- Dive Into Baking:
- Set your oven to 350 F (175 C). Spritz a square baking pan, 8 or 9 inches, with nonstick spray. Pan size matters for how thick your finished bake will be, so pick whatever you prefer.
- Whip Up The Wet Mix:
- Crack the eggs into a big bowl, then whisk with the half-and-half, Dijon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper till it's all smooth. That hint of mustard really balances out all the richness.
- Toss In The Bread:
- Tip in those bread cubes and gently fold so every piece gets covered. Slightly stale bread is ideal since it won’t get mushy.
- Add Ham And Swiss:
- Mix in the chopped ham and shredded Swiss. Try to spread the meat and cheese evenly, so every bite gets some of both.
- Spoon Into The Dish:
- Pour the whole mix into your prepared pan and spread it out. Give it a gentle press so there’s no giant air pockets, but don’t squish it too hard.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Pop it in the oven for 40 minutes or so. You want the edges to brown, the cheese to fully melt, and the middle to stay just a touch soft.
- Time To Serve:
- Let it chill for a few minutes before cutting. Top each slab with a spoonful of raspberry jam—the classic Monte Cristo sweet and salty vibe will make everyone smile.
This dish packs all my favorite breakfast elements into a single awesome bite. My husband was totally not sold on sweet-and-savory at first but changed his mind as soon as he tried it with the jam. Now, he’s the one who asks for it most!
Storage and Reheat Tips
Stick any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge—they’ll stay good for 3 or 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes at 300 F (150 C), or zap single pieces in the microwave for 1 minute at medium power. Try not to reheat it more than once so the texture stays just right.
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Twists To Try
Switch it up however you want. Use smoked turkey instead of ham, swap Swiss for Gruyere, or throw in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Want it richer? Go for heavy cream. A splash of maple syrup in the eggs gives a cool sweet kick, too.
Perfect Sides
Round it out for brunch with fresh fruit salad, some crispy breakfast potatoes, and a cup of good coffee. The fruit brings a light pop next to the hearty bake, so everyone feels satisfied but not too full.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of bread works best for this bake?
French bread that's a bit stale works great. It soaks up the mixture beautifully and bakes into a perfect texture.
- → Can I switch out the ham in this dish?
Absolutely. You can use chicken, turkey, or even roasted veggies if you'd like to keep it vegetarian.
- → What cheese works best here?
Swiss cheese is a top pick for its creamy, mild flavor, but Gruyère or Emmental are great options too.
- → How do I know this is done baking?
The edges should be lightly browned, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbling. Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- → What should I serve with this Monte Cristo?
It's awesome with some raspberry or berry jam for sweetness. Or add a fresh green salad for a nice, light balance.