Monte Cristo Waffle Strata

Introduction

The Monte Cristo Waffle Strata is a decadent twist on the classic Monte Cristo Sandwich, reimagined as a baked breakfast casserole. Layers of crispy waffles, savory ham, roasted turkey, and melty Swiss cheese are soaked in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection. The result? A sweet-and-savory masterpiece that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a holiday morning, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

The first time I made this strata, I was amazed at how effortlessly it came together. Stacking the waffles with layers of meat and cheese felt like building a delicious puzzle, and once the custard soaked in, I knew something magical was about to happen. When it emerged from the oven, golden and slightly crisp around the edges, the irresistible aroma filled my kitchen. A dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup or raspberry preserves took it to the next level—every bite was the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and cheesy goodness.

What I love most about the Monte Cristo Waffle Strata is its versatility. You can swap in different cheeses, use brioche or croissants instead of waffles, or even add a hint of Dijon mustard for an extra flavor kick. No matter how you customize it, this dish turns any breakfast or brunch into a truly indulgent experience!

Perfect for:

• Brunch gatherings
• Holiday breakfasts
• Potluck meals
• Weekend family breakfasts
• Breakfast-for-dinner nights

Why You’ll Love This Monte Cristo Waffle Strata Recipe

Here’s why the Monte Cristo Waffle Strata will become a favorite:

• Savory and Sweet: A delicious balance of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and the sweetness of waffles and syrup.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A warm, comforting dish that serves multiple people effortlessly.
• Golden and Crispy: The waffles crisp up beautifully while the inside remains soft and flavorful.
• Easy to Customize: Swap the meat, cheese, or waffles for different flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Monte Cristo Waffle Strata:

• 8 frozen or homemade waffles, cut into quarters
• 8 oz sliced ham
• 8 oz sliced turkey
• 8 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for garnish
• Maple syrup or raspberry preserves, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Waffles: Provide a fluffy yet crispy base that absorbs the custard.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham and turkey.
• Egg Custard: The mixture of eggs, milk, and cream binds everything together and gives it a rich texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Enhances the savory flavor with a slight tang.
• Powdered Sugar & Syrup: The dusting of sugar and drizzle of syrup create the signature Monte Cristo sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Strata:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Waffles: Arrange half of the waffle pieces in the bottom of the dish.
3. Add Meat and Cheese: Layer half of the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese over the waffles.
4. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining waffles, followed by the rest of the ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese.

Prepare the Custard:

5. Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Pour Over Layers: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the waffle layers, ensuring everything is coated.
7. Press Down Gently: Use a spatula to lightly press down so the waffles absorb the liquid.
8. Let It Soak: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for a make-ahead option).

Bake the Strata:

9. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
10. Uncover for Crispiness: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

Finishing Touches:

11. Cool Slightly: Let the strata rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
12. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the top.
13. Serve with Syrup or Preserves: Drizzle with maple syrup or serve with raspberry preserves for dipping.

How to Serve Monte Cristo Waffle Strata

• Classic Powdered Sugar & Jam – Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve with a side of raspberry or strawberry jam for that signature Monte Cristo sweet-savory contrast.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle – Warm up some maple syrup and drizzle it over the strata for a breakfast-friendly twist.
• Savory Mustard Dip – Serve with Dijon mustard or honey mustard on the side for dipping, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Whipped Cream & Fresh Berries – Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a mix of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Cheese Sauce Topping – Melt some Gruyère or Swiss cheese into a creamy sauce and drizzle over each serving for extra indulgence.
• Herb Garnish – Sprinkle fresh thyme, chives, or parsley on top to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Bacon or Ham Crisps – Add crispy bacon or fried prosciutto on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Side Salad Pairing – Serve with a light mixed greens salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Sunny-Side-Up Egg – Top each slice with a runny fried egg for a decadent, brunch-style upgrade.
• French Onion Soup-Inspired – Serve with a side of French onion soup for dipping, creating a warm, comforting meal with bold flavors.

Additional Tips for Monte Cristo Waffle Strata

• Use Quality Waffles – Opt for homemade or thick, high-quality frozen waffles for better texture and flavor. Light, airy waffles may become too soggy in the custard mixture.
• Toast the Waffles First – Lightly toasting the waffles before assembling the strata helps maintain structure and prevents them from becoming too soft during baking.
• Layer Ingredients Evenly – Distribute the ham, turkey, and cheese evenly between the waffle layers to ensure every bite is flavorful and well-balanced.
• Whisk the Custard Well – Beat the eggs, milk, and seasonings thoroughly to create a smooth custard mixture that absorbs evenly into the waffles. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or Dijon mustard enhances the flavor.
• Let It Soak – Allow the strata to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before baking. This helps the waffles absorb the custard for a more cohesive texture.
• Cover While Baking – Cover with foil for the first half of baking to prevent excessive browning. Remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
• Use Swiss & Gruyère Cheese – Swiss cheese is traditional, but a blend of Gruyère and Swiss adds extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Drizzle with Raspberry or Maple Syrup – A classic Monte Cristo pairs sweet with savory, so serve with raspberry preserves, powdered sugar, or maple syrup for an authentic experience.
• Let It Rest Before Slicing – Allow the strata to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making slicing easier and keeping the layers intact.
• Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle a light layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.

Recipe Variations for Monte Cristo Waffle Strata

1. Croissant Monte Cristo Strata: Substitute croissants for waffles for a buttery alternative.
2. Savory Herb Version: Omit powdered sugar and add fresh thyme and rosemary for a fully savory twist.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard for subtle heat.
4. Brioche Swap: Use brioche bread instead of waffles for a softer texture.
5. Ham & Cheddar Strata: Replace Swiss cheese with sharp cheddar.
6. Cranberry Turkey Strata: Add a layer of cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving-inspired version.
7. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free waffles to make it celiac-friendly.
8. Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
9. Apple and Brie Strata: Add thinly sliced apples and brie cheese for a gourmet twist.
10. Nut-Free Monte Cristo: Omit mustard and opt for a mild honey glaze instead.

Freezing and Storage

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the strata and refrigerate overnight before baking.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked strata for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quick option.

Special Equipment for Monte Cristo Waffle Strata

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula

FAQ for Monte Cristo Waffle Strata

1. Can I make this without meat? Yes, substitute with mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for a vegetarian version.
2. Can I use pre-made waffles? Yes, store-bought or homemade waffles both work. Toast them slightly before using.
3. What’s the best cheese for this dish? Swiss is traditional, but Gruyère, cheddar, or Havarti work well too.
4. Can I make this in muffin tins? Yes, divide the ingredients into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. What’s the best syrup pairing? Maple syrup is classic, but raspberry or blackberry preserves add a fruity contrast.

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Conclusion

The Monte Cristo Waffle Strata is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an irresistible choice for brunches, holiday mornings, or breakfast-for-dinner nights. Layers of fluffy waffles, savory ham, turkey, and melty Swiss cheese are soaked in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of fruit preserves for a delightful contrast of flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this strata is guaranteed to impress with its delicious, indulgent appeal.

I can’t wait to see your take on this Monte Cristo Waffle Strata! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version. Don’t forget to share your favorite toppings or twists in the comments. Happy baking!