So easy, super delicious, a real crowd pleaser and can be put together in the morning and baked when you get home from work! I get tons of requests for this dish, and it is perfect for pot luck get togethers. IF you have any leftovers, slice and freeze then just thaw and heat in a fry pan with a bit of butter! Monte Cristos are traditionally served with strawberry jam or maple syrup but my family prefers them plain.
Ingredients
- Ingredients for the casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread in 1/2-inch slices
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 6 ounces thin sliced Swiss cheese
- 8 ounces thin sliced ham
- 6 ounces thin sliced provolone cheese
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- Ingredients for the toppings:
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 sliced cooked & crumbled bacon
- 4 ounces grated mozzarella
Preparation
- 1 Method:
- 2 Layer 1/2 of the bread into the bottom of a rectangular casserole dish
- 3 Brush with the mustard
- 4 Top with Swiss cheese, ham and then Provolone cheese
- 5 Layer on the remaining bread slices
- 6 Beat the egg and milk together
- 7 Pour over the bread
- 8 Chill for 1 to 12 hours
- 9 Before baking mix together the bread crumbs, parsley and olive oil
- 10 Sprinkle over the casserole top
- 11 Bake for 40 minutes in a pre-heated 375F° oven
- 12 Remove and top with mozzarella and bacon
- 13 Return to oven just long enough for cheese to melt; about 3 minutes
