Monte Cristo Casserole

The Monte Cristo sandwich is legendary. It’s a symphony of flavors that has delighted taste buds for generations. But what if I told you there’s a way to elevate this classic delight even further, transforming it into a delectable masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends? Enter the Monte Cristo Casserole – a mouthwatering (and healthy!) twist on the iconic sandwich that brings together layers of rich ingredients, subtle sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia, all baked to perfection in a single glorious dish.

This Monte Cristo Casserole is absolutely perfect for a weekend brunch. It Monte Cristo sandwich combines breakfast and lunch so well, and the casserole version is just an easy way to make it large enough to feed a crowd. With all of the flavors meshing together in this dish, no one will know that it’s a healthy and lightened-up version. You can fully enjoy yourself knowing that you’re feeding your friends and family something healthy, but delicious. 

Three reasons why you need to make this recipe! 

Simply put – the flavors! 

There’s nothing like a monte cristo sandwich, which means there’s nothing like a monte cristo casserole. The flavors of slightly sweet ham and melty cheese blend perfectly with the buttery croissants. 

It’s under 300 calories per serving. 

That is a crazy difference compared to a “real” monte cristo sandwich. The sandwich could run you anywhere from 500 to 1200 calories depending on how it’s made. With this monte cristo casserole, you know you’re getting all the flavors without the fattening calories. 

It’s the perfect brunch food. 

Brunch is such a fun weekend get-together, and this monte cristo casserole will be the new highlight. Your friends and family will ask for this weekly! 

Ingredients you need to make Monte Cristo Casserole: 

• 1 package of Pillsbury reduced-fat croissants
• 4 oz lean deli ham, sliced
• 2.5 oz reduced-fat Swiss cheese, sliced
• 8 eggs
• ¾ cup 1% lowfat milk 
• 1 tablespoon fat-free mayonnaise
• Dash of salt and pepper

How to make Monte Cristo Casserole (step by step): 

1. Bake the croissants as the directions on the package state. 
2. Once the croissants have cooled, preheat the oven to 350F and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with some nonstick cooking spray.
3. Cut open the 8 croissants then spread the mayonnaise evenly between all 8. Cut the deli ham and Swiss cheese into enough slices so that you have enough to divide evenly over the 8 croissants.
4. Cut each sandwich into 4 pieces then spread pieces out in the casserole dish covering all areas.
5. In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the croissants, being sure to cover all areas.
6. Cover the casserole with tin foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.  Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. 
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes then cut into 6 equal servings. Each serving will weigh approx 6oz.

Makes 6 servings. Nutrition info for 1 serving: Calories 292,  Fat 14 g, Saturated fat 5.8 g,  Carbs 21 g,  Fiber 0 g, Sugars 5.5 g, Sodium 664 mg, Protein 18 g. 

WW Points 

• Pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls 27 points 
• Lean, sliced deli ham 4 points
• Reduced fat, sliced Swiss cheese 8 points
• Eggs 0 points
• Lowfat 1% milk 3 points 
• Fat-free mayonnaise 1 point
• Salt and pepper 0 points 

7 points per serving based on the WW app recipe creator.  

If you’re using an older version of WW, check out these points below. 

Points- 7

Personal points- 6-9 depending on your 0PP foods

Freestyle smart points- (blue & purple) 6 using WW recipe builder

Smart points- (green) 9 using SP calculator

Points plus- 7 using PP calculator

Different ways to change up this recipe: 

• I kept the recipe more traditional for a monte cristo sandwich but feel free to add in some veggies if you wish. Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, and/or onions would all work well. 
• You could get as creative as you wanted with this, by adding some chopped bacon or chopped sausage to the egg mixture. It’d make for a much meatier casserole. 
• For a bit of sweetness, you could spread sugar-free strawberry or blackberry preserves over the croissants before putting the ham and cheese on them. A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top of the casserole would also make this more of a traditional monte cristo. 

Tips and Tricks for Making Monte Cristo Casserole: 

• You can bake the croissants earlier in the day or even the night before, or use leftover croissants even if they’re stale. They’ll soak up the egg and milk mixture like a bread pudding does. It’s best to bake them ahead of time because you want them completely cool before using them for the recipe. 
• Like most casseroles, this one freezes well. Bake up a few in aluminum pans and freeze them. You can gift them to new mothers or use it when you join a meal train for a family in need. 
• If you end up with leftovers (you won’t), store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 
• Monte Cristo Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready for it. For example, make it up the night before, cover it with tin foil, and set it in the fridge. In the morning, when you’re ready for breakfast, all you have to do is bake it. Letting it sit allows the croissants to soak up the egg mixture. 

Similar recipes you’ll enjoy: 

• Homemade Potato Cakes (Way Better than Arbys) 
• Healthy Hash Brown Casserole
• Light and Fluffy Egg White Fritatta