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Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole with Cranberry Orange Bread and Swiss Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes plus overnight chilling
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining specialty bread, Canadian bacon, Swiss and Gruyere cheeses, and a flavorful egg custard. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, this casserole offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with hints of cranberry orange and honey mustard, making it an ideal dish for brunch or a special breakfast gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

  • 1 loaf specialty bread, such as Franz Innkeeper’s Cranberry Orange Bread (or what’s in season)
  • 16 oz Canadian bacon or ham slices
  • 4 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
  • ¼ cup honey mustard
  • ½ cup orange cranberry relish or ½ cup favorite preserves like peach marmalade or raspberry jam

Custard and Topping Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 ¾ cups milk
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp fresh ground pepper
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • ¾ cup raspberry preserves (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh sage, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish evenly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Assemble the sandwiches: On a large surface, lay out the slices of bread. On half of the slices, arrange the Canadian bacon or ham, then layer with sliced Swiss cheese. Spread 1 tablespoon of orange cranberry relish or raspberry jam over the cheese.
  3. Spread honey mustard: On the remaining bread slices, generously spread the honey mustard. The generous amount is important to enhance the flavor.
  4. Create sandwiches: Place the bread slices together to form sandwiches, then cut each sandwich into triangles.
  5. Arrange in the baking dish: Place the triangle sandwiches in the prepared pan with points facing upwards, pushing them close together to fit well in the dish.
  6. Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper until fully combined.
  7. Pour custard and add cheese: Pour the egg mixture over the arranged sandwiches in the baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly on top.
  8. Chill overnight: Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture.
  9. Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are set but not runny.
  10. Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh sage sprigs and dust with powdered sugar.
  11. Serve: Serve warm with optional sides of raspberry preserves or maple syrup to complement the sweet and savory flavors. Makes about 8 servings.

Notes

  • This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, making it convenient for busy mornings or entertaining.
  • Feel free to serve with your favorite preserves or maple syrup for added sweetness.
  • Using specialty bread like cranberry orange adds a unique flavor, but any hearty bread can be substituted.
  • Adjust the amount of honey mustard and preserves to your taste to balance the sweet and savory elements.
  • Make sure to bake until the eggs are fully set to avoid a runny texture.

Find it online: https://www.recipeothy.com/overnight-monte-cristo-breakfast-casserole-with-cranberry-orange-bread-and-swiss-cheese-recipe/