Monte Cristo Casserole

Monte Cristo Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 cup nonfat milk
• 6 eggs, or 1 1/2 cups egg substitute
• 25 ounces cinnamon swirl bread, or french baguette
  
• 8 ounces deli ham, diced in 1'' cubes
  
• 8 ounces deli turkey, diced in 1'' cubes
  
• 4 ounces swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 container frozen sliced strawberries, thawed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9×13 pan. Pour milk in microwaveable container and heat until hot. Whisk eggs in small bowl, add enough hot milk to temper the eggs, then wisk remainder of heated milk until well blended. Cut bread into 3/4 inch cubes, place in large bowl. Pour egg mixture over bread cubes and toss gently. combine ham, turkey, cheese and parsley in another bowl. In the pan, layer half of the french toast cubes, then half of the meat/cheese mixture. Repeat. Let stand for 10 minutes (or overnight). Bake 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and set in center. Cool 10 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve casserole with sliced strawberries spooned over top.

My notes: This dish is one that I often make to take to a family who has just had a baby, had surgery, or otherwise needs a meal. It lends itself well to a breakfast dish, but is filling enough to be dinner. When having it for dinner, serve with a nice green salad.

Source: Pampered Chef