If you love waking up to a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then this Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Packed with layers of savory Canadian bacon, melty Swiss and Gruyere cheeses, and a touch of sweet cranberry relish, it’s the perfect balance of flavors that come together effortlessly overnight — so you can wake up to pure deliciousness!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Hands-off morning magic: Assemble it the night before, then just pop it in the oven the next day — talk about easy entertaining or a stress-free weekend brunch!
A perfect sweet-savory combo: The blend of honey mustard, cranberry relish, and cheeses sings in every bite, making it anything but your average breakfast.
Feeds a crowd with ease: Whether for family or guests, this casserole serves about eight, all eager for seconds.
Customizable to your tastes: Use your favorite jams or breads to make it uniquely yours, while still delivering that comforting Monte Cristo vibe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe features a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. Each component adds something special — from the hearty bread soaking up the custard to the rich cheeses melting perfectly on top.
- Specialty bread: A loaf like cranberry orange bread lends a subtle fruity zing and holds up nicely to soaking; feel free to swap for any good-quality seasonal bread.
- Canadian bacon or ham slices: Provides that savory, meaty richness that balances the sweet accents.
- Swiss cheese & Gruyere: Both melt beautifully and add nutty, creamy layers that elevate the casserole.
- Honey mustard & orange cranberry relish: These spreads are key! They inject tang, sweetness, and a touch of brightness in every bite.
- Eggs and milk: The custard base that ties everything together with a soft, fluffy texture once baked.
- Powdered sugar & fresh sage: The finishing touches for that authentic Monte Cristo flair — sweet and aromatic.
How to Make Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Fillings
Start by prepping your bread slices on a large workspace. Spread honey mustard on half of them — don’t be shy here, this layer packs serious flavor! On the other half, layer Canadian bacon and Swiss cheese, then add a spoonful of orange cranberry relish or your chosen preserve. Sandwich them together and cut into triangles for that charming, bite-sized presentation.
Step 2: Arrange in Baking Dish and Add Custard
Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Stand the sandwich triangles upright, triangles pointed up, pressing gently so they fit snugly without gaps. Then whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread, letting it soak in. Sprinkle shredded Gruyere on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight and Bake
Cover the dish and pop it into the fridge overnight — this is where all the magic happens, as the flavors meld and the bread soaks up the custard perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s puffed up, golden, and set (no runny eggs, please!).
How to Serve Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful sweet finish that’s signature to Monte Cristo dishes, while fresh sage leaves give a lovely herbal aroma and color contrast. A side of raspberry preserves or maple syrup on the table makes for dipping—with every bite, your taste buds will thank you.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad to brighten the meal. Lightly roasted potatoes or sautéed asparagus are also great options if you want a heartier brunch spread. The key is to keep it simple and fresh alongside the rich casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the triangles stacked on a pretty platter for a rustic touch, or arrange individually on plates with garnishes artfully drizzled. For a festive brunch, add edible flowers or colorful herbs. Mini versions in a muffin tin are perfect for parties or easy grab-and-go servings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might!), store them tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes great cold or reheated, making for a quick breakfast or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the cooked casserole in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven for a nearly fresh-made experience.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the edges get crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture and crust are much better with oven reheating.
FAQs
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Can I make the casserole dairy-free or gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and a swim in non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the custard. For gluten-free, swap the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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How far ahead can I assemble this casserole?
This Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe is best assembled up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered tightly in the fridge, then bake fresh when ready for the best texture and flavor.
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Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! Swiss and Gruyere are classic, but feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder melt—just keep the cheese flavorful to balance against the sweet and savory layers.
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What’s the best way to serve this dish for a crowd?
Serve directly from the baking dish to keep it warm and inviting. Offer small bowls of maple syrup, preserves, and fresh herbs on the side so guests can customize every bite to their liking.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite as satisfying as waking up to a house filled with the delicious aroma of this Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s cozy, flavorful, and impressive without any fuss. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, I can’t wait for you to try this and share it with people you love. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Overnight Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (not including 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, layered with specialty bread, Canadian bacon, Swiss and Gruyere cheeses, and a burst of sweet and tangy flavors from cranberry relish and honey mustard. Prepared the night before and baked to golden perfection, it makes a comforting and impressive breakfast or brunch dish perfect for serving family and friends.
Ingredients
Sandwich Layers
- 1 loaf specialty bread, such as Franz Innkeeper’s Cranberry Orange Bread (or seasonally available bread)
- 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 (such as peach marmalade or raspberry jam)
Custard Mixture
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh ground pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh sage sprigs, for garnish
- Optional: ¾ cup raspberry preserves or maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Sandwich Layers: Lay out the slices of specialty bread on a large surface. On half of the slices, layer Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese, and spread 1 tablespoon of orange cranberry relish or raspberry jam on top.
- Spread Honey Mustard: On the other half of the bread slices, generously spread honey mustard.
- Form Sandwiches: Join the slices to form sandwiches, then cut each sandwich into triangles.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the sandwich triangles in the prepared dish with points facing upward, pushing them together to fit snugly.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper until smooth.
- Pour Custard and Add Cheese: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the sandwiches in the baking dish, then sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese on top.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the custard to soak into the bread thoroughly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are fully set.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh sage sprigs.
- Serve: Serve warm with a side of maple syrup or your favorite preserves such as raspberry jam for a sweet and savory balance.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, making prep effortless for busy mornings.
- Choose your favorite seasonal bread and preserves to customize the flavor.
- Adjust cheese and meat types if desired for variations like turkey or different cheese blends.
- For a dairy-free or lower-fat version, substitute milk and cheeses accordingly.
