– 1 loaf of thick-cut bread (like Texas toast or brioche)
– ½ cup cooked ham, diced
– ½ cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups milk
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– ¼ teaspoon onion powder
– Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
– Fresh fruit, for serving (optional)
Creating Monte Cristo Casserole is as simple as following these easy steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Bread: Cut the loaf of bread into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
3. Layer Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the bread in an even layer at the bottom.
4. Add Meats and Cheese: Sprinkle the diced ham, turkey, and half of the cheese over the bread layer.
5. Layer Remaining Bread: Add the remaining bread on top of the meats and cheese.
6. Mix Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
7. Pour Over Casserole: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered casserole, making sure to cover everything well.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.
10. Serve: Once done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
These simple instructions will guide you through making this delightful casserole to ensure that it becomes a staple in your kitchen.