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.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

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)

Directions

Step 1

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the unsalted butter.

Step 2

Cut the bread slices into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

Step 3

Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

Place an even layer of sliced ham over the bread, followed by a layer of sliced turkey.

Step 5

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the meat layer.

Step 6

Add the remaining bread cubes on top, creating a second layer.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 8

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, meat, and cheese in the baking dish, ensuring that all pieces of bread are soaked.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

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.

Step 11

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 12

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.

Step 13

Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 14

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

Serving size	1872 grams (1872.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3533

Total Fat 196.30g	252%
Saturated Fat 98.40g	492%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.30g
Cholesterol 1741mg	580%
Sodium 8577mg	373%
Total Carbohydrate 258.10g	94%
Dietary Fiber 7.30g	26%
Total Sugars 128.90g
Protein 193.50g	387%

Vitamin D 532IU	2658%
Calcium 2894mg	223%
Iron 13mg	69%
Potassium 2285mg	49%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 28.9%