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):
- Bake the croissants as the directions on the package state.
- Once the croissants have cooled, preheat the oven to 350F and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with some nonstick cooking spray.
- 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.
- Cut each sandwich into 4 pieces then spread pieces out in the casserole dish covering all areas.
- 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.
- Cover the casserole with tin foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
- 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
Monte Cristo Casserole
Ingredients
- 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 milk I used 1%
- 1 tablespoon fat free mayonnaise
- Dash of salt & pepper
Instructions
- Bake the croissants as the directions on the package state.
- Once the croissants have cooled, preheat the oven to 350F and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with some nonstick cooking spray.
- 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.
- Cut each sandwich into 4 pieces then spread pieces out in the casserole dish covering all areas.
- 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.
- Cover the casserole with tin foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
- 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.
Samantha
I don’t mean to be nit-picky but I don’t see how 1 tablespoon of mayo can be spread on 8 croissants. But, I’ll be making this yummy looking recipe and just leave the mayo off.
Drizzle
I only used 1Tbsp, I measured it out, you really don't need much and the croissants are very small
Carol
The croissants are NOT mammoth size so 1 tablespoon is plenty of mayonaise.
Cheri Moeder
The Monte Cristo Sandwich has been a favorite of mine since I discovered it. I’ve had it for breakfast, lunch, and supper! This casserole is every bit as good, and is wonderful for sharing my obsession with a group. Thank you, Kate!
Drizzle
Thanks so much, Cheri, I appreciate your kind words and so glad you enjoyed it.. Thank you again for the inspiration 🙂
nancy weiss
how many WW points with Cinnamon French toast bubble up
Drizzle
Sorry I'm not sure I understand your question
Maggie
Would you recommend freezing this before or after baking? It sounds so delicious and i want to bring this to our weekend getaway but I want to prepare it ahead of time- If possible! Thanks!
Drizzle
It is nice freshly baked so possibly freezing beforehand but since I haven't actually done that I can't give an honest answer as to how it will turn out but it should freeze ok .. perhaps you could bake the croissants and build the sandwiches ahead of time and then just add the egg mixture when ready to bake?
chris
That's what I will be trying to do for this weekend getaway with my girlfriends! Let you know the results!
Drizzle
Have fun!! 🙂
Emily M
This was delicious! Thank you for creating this yummy recipe and sharing! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes. Sooo good!
Drizzle
Hi Emily, so glad you enjoyed it and I hope you continue to enjoy the recipes 🙂
Roni
A true Monte Cristo has jam served with it. Have you tried this with any?
Drizzle
Hi Roni, no I have not but feel free to add some, my objective was to keep points low 🙂
Terry
I am going to try this and maybe add a little of my favourite grainy Dijon to the mayo. Sounds delicious./ We would have it for a simple weeknight supper with a side salad. Love your recipes!
Drizzle
Sounds delicious Terry, hope you enjoy it 🙂
Ashley
Would it change the points much to use turkey? I can't have ham for religious reasons.
Drizzle
If anything the points might go down by 1 per serving since turkey is a zero point food
Suzanne M Glenn
Thank you, Kate, for this great recipe and thank you, Terry, for the dijon mustard advice. I'm not crazy about all the eggs (I'm doing Return to 30), so I'm thinking of using half the eggs and making up by using egg whites to lower the points. Thank you, Kate, for all of your hard work so that we can easily find good, healthy recipes for our families. 🙂
Drizzle
Thank you for your kind words Suzanne 🙂 good luck on your journey!
Britt
Can you make this ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking?
Drizzle
Hi Britt, yes that should work out fine 🙂 Hope you enjoy it
Allie
Hello! This sounds delicious; however, the ingredients list doesn't include the eggs. How many eggs do you use?
Drizzle
Yes it does.... 8 eggs
melissa muder
How/if any veggies could you add????
Drizzle
Hi, I'd suggest maybe adding some to the croissant sandwiches before cutting them, maybe sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers/onions.. or you could add diced veggies to the egg that your pour over them
Shari
Made this for the first time yesterday and my hubby and I both found it delicious!
Drizzle
Hi Shari, Yay! I am so glad you both enjoyed it 🙂