Monte Cristo Strata
Transform your breakfast or brunch game with this indulgent Monte Cristo Strata, a baked twist on the classic sandwich everyone loves. Combining layers of fluffy, custard-soaked French or brioche bread, savory slices of ham and turkey, and gooey Swiss cheese, this make-ahead dish is perfect for feeding a crowd. Enhanced with a rich egg custard infused with Dijon mustard and a hint of honey for subtle sweetness, this strata bakes to golden-brown perfection. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of raspberry jam for that signature sweet-and-savory Monte Cristo flair. Whether for a holiday brunch or a weekend family breakfast, this easy overnight casserole is both practical and crowd-pleasing.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 slices Day-old bread (preferably French or brioche)
- 6 ounces Sliced ham
- 6 ounces Sliced turkey
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 6 large Eggs
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 0.5 cups Heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cups Raspberry jam (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the unsalted butter.
Cut the bread slices into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
Place an even layer of sliced ham over the bread, followed by a layer of sliced turkey.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the meat layer.
Add the remaining bread cubes on top, creating a second layer.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, meat, and cheese in the baking dish, ensuring that all pieces of bread are soaked.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the aluminum foil and bake the strata in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
If desired, dust the top of the strata with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam on the side for a sweet-savory touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
423 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.3 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 209 mg | 70% | |
| Sodium | 1017 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 22.6 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 291 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 244 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
