This Make Ahead Baked Monte Cristo Casserole is the perfect dish for brunch. You make it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. No stress when you have guests staying over!!
Today I am sharing a make ahead brunch dish that makes cooking for a crowd super easy. You make it up the night before, pop it in the fridge overnight and then in the morning bake it up into a golden gooey brunch perfection.
Monte Cristo sandwiches are fabulous. Ham and cheese sandwiches, coated in a thick custard and then cooked like french toast until the outside is golden and the inside is gooey and delicious. Finished with a sprinkling of icing sugar it is such a great sweet and savoury dish!
I like to add an extra couple of touches. I spread a thin layer of cherry jam and dijon mustard onto the bread and I sprinkle rosemary over the cheese layer.
They take it over the top and make it just a little bit special 😉
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Not many photos today as I had an accident with this dish and dropped the whole casserole onto the floor. I only had enough ingredients to make a small second batch. I am so disappointed as when it comes out of the oven the large casserole dish is so beautiful and impressive. Still at least you can see the oozy gooey centre of this dish.
Enjoy x
Get the Recipe
Make Ahead Baked Monte Cristo Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ cup cherry jam
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 18 slices of white sandwich bread
- 1 lb sliced deli ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese (see notes)
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 6 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Additional fresh rosemary
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the jam and mustard together.
- Grease a large deep baking dish with the butter.
- Cut the crusts off the bread.
- Lay out 6 slices of bread in an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread them with half of the jam mixture.
- Lay half the ham over the top and then sprinkle over half of the cheese.
- Sprinkle over ¼ teaspoon of the fresh rosemary.
- Top with 6 slices of bread.
- Spread this bread with the remaining jam.
- Top with the remaining ham, the remaining cheese and rosemary.
- Finish with the last 6 slices of bread.
- In a large jug, whisk together the egg, milk, salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- Cover with cling wrap and leave in the fridge overnight (or for at least half an hour)
- Preheat oven to 190ºC/375ºF.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve sprinkles with powdered sugar and an additional sprinting of rosemary.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition is per serving
marypr2 says
We haven't eaten the casserole yet, but I have a couple of comments: We ran out of the jam mixture and had to make more. Could be our fault because I used a spread instead of a jam (strawberry); and I could not figure out what you were really calling for with the rosemary. 1/2 teaspoon is hardly any fresh rosemary. Is that what you meant? I used probably a teaspoon on each layer. I hope I didn't blow it.
I will let you know how it turns out after I cook it.
Claire McEwen says
We just like a subtle hint of rosemary, but go for as much or as little as you like.
Sorry about the jam, could be the difference in spread.
I hope you enjoyed it 🙂
Cx
Sarah says
This looks great. How many servings?
Claire McEwen says
Hi Sarah, Sorry I have updated the recipe withs serving size.
It easily serves 8 people, but I would happily serve it to 10 people.
As part of a brunch buffet, maybe with some fruit and has browns it would be more than enough for 12 people.
I hope that helps.
Cx
p.s I have also halved the recipe and it still works well, you just need a smaller baking dish.
Sara says
Can you freeze this?
Claire McEwen says
Hi Sara,
I have never tried to freeze it so I am not certain, but I think the egg and cream mixture might become too runny when it defrosts.
But I have had success with cooking a half batch if you are worried about having left overs.
Karly says
Omg. Perfection. I don't know why I've never thought to make this ahead before, but I am SO glad you did! Looks amaze!
susan | the wimpy vegetarian says
I love breakfast too! Your Monte Cristo looks wonderful!
Hezzi-D says
I love that you turned this classic sandwich into a casserole! Fun idea!
Liz says
I love a Monte Cristo sandwich, so I have a feeling I'd also go crazy for your fabulous casserole!
Katie says
Ohhhhh goodness gracious - the savory and sweet combo going on (and the gooey goodness!!!) is so so great!!!!
Cindy says
I hope your burn is on the mend. Your casserole sounds like a delicious addition to any brunch!