Sweet & Savory Monte Cristo Breakfast Bake
Transform your breakfast table with our Sweet & Savory Monte Cristo Breakfast Bake! Inspired by a beloved Disneyland classic, this casserole combines layers of fluffy French toast with hearty deli meats and gooey Swiss cheese, all elevated with a sprinkling of fresh parsley. It’s a delightful way to start your day, perfect for family gatherings or brunch parties. Serve it warm, drizzled with a luscious strawberry topping for a burst of sweetness that is sure to impress. Let this dish transport you to the whimsical charm of the Blue Bayou!
12
Servings
250
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonfat milk
1 cup (Heated until hot)
Eggs
6 (Whisked, or use 1 1/2 cups of egg substitute)
Frozen French toast slices
2 (12.5-ounce) packages (Thawed and cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
Deli ham
8 ounces (Diced)
Deli turkey
8 ounces (Diced)
Swiss cheese
4 ounces (Grated)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Snipped)
Powdered sugar
1 tablespoon (For dusting)
Fresh strawberries
2 cups (Sliced)
Strawberry ice cream topping
1/2 cup (For drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a microwave-safe container, heat the nonfat milk until hot, but not boiling.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs (or egg substitute) until well blended.
4
Gradually add the hot milk to the eggs, stirring well to combine.
5
In a large mixing bowl, take the thawed French toast slices, and cut them into 3/4-inch cubes. Add the egg mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss until all pieces are coated. Set aside to soak for a few minutes.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the diced ham, turkey, grated Swiss cheese, and snipped parsley, mixing well.
7
Lightly spray a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8
Layer half of the soaked French toast cubes into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Add half of the meat and cheese mixture on top, followed by the other half of the French toast cubes, and finish with the remaining meat mixture on top. Pat down gently.
9
Allow the assembled casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes. For convenience, it can also be covered and stored in the refrigerator overnight. If baking from the fridge, allow it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before baking or extend cooking time slightly.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
11
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
12
Dust the top with powdered sugar.
13
In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the strawberry ice cream topping to create a lovely mixture.
14
Cut the casserole into squares, serving warm with a generous spoonful of the strawberry topping.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
0.83g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sweet & Savory Monte Cristo Breakfast Bake?
It is a breakfast casserole inspired by the Disneyland classic, combining layers of fluffy French toast with deli meats and Swiss cheese.
What was the inspiration for this dish?
The dish is inspired by a beloved Disneyland classic and designed to transport you to the whimsical charm of the Blue Bayou.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How should the milk be prepared?
Heat the nonfat milk in a microwave-safe container until it is hot, but ensure it does not boil.
Can I use an egg substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of egg substitute instead of 6 large eggs.
What type of bread is used for this breakfast bake?
The recipe calls for two 12.5-ounce packages of frozen French toast slices, thawed and cut into cubes.
What size should the French toast cubes be?
The thawed French toast slices should be cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
How do you combine the milk and eggs?
Gradually add the hot milk to the whisked eggs, stirring well to ensure they are thoroughly combined.
What meats are included in the Monte Cristo Bake?
The recipe includes 8 ounces of diced deli ham and 8 ounces of diced deli turkey.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of grated Swiss cheese.
Is there a fresh herb used in this casserole?
Yes, 1/4 cup of snipped fresh parsley is mixed with the meat and cheese.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly spray a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
How are the French toast cubes and meat mixture layered?
Layer half of the soaked French toast cubes, then half of the meat and cheese, followed by the remaining bread and the rest of the meat mixture.
How long should the bread soak in the egg mixture?
Gently toss the bread cubes in the egg mixture until coated and set aside to soak for a few minutes.
Does the assembled casserole need to rest before baking?
Yes, let the assembled casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can this breakfast bake be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be covered and stored in the refrigerator overnight.
What if I am baking the casserole straight from the refrigerator?
Allow it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes or extend the cooking time slightly.
How long does the dish take to bake?
Bake for 30-35 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell when the bake is finished?
The top should be golden brown and the center should be set.
How long should the casserole cool after baking?
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing it into squares.
What is the final garnish for the top of the bake?
The top should be dusted with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar.
How do you prepare the strawberry topping?
Toss 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries with 1/2 cup of strawberry ice cream topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 32.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 0.83 grams of fiber.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There are 5 grams of sugar per serving.
How should the dish be served?
Cut the warm casserole into squares and serve with a generous spoonful of the strawberry topping.