Recipes Nugget Markets Signature Recipes
Monte Cristo Strata
- Prep time
- 20 minutes, plus 20 minutes soaking PT20M
- Cook time
- 40–45 minutes PT45M
- Yield
- 8–10 servings
- Difficulty
Inspired by the classic Monte Cristo sandwich starring ham, turkey and Swiss cheese, this sensational strata is finished with just enough strawberry sweetness to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 6 cups large-diced croissants or croissant bread
- 3 ounces ham, sliced
- 3 ounces turkey, sliced
- 10 eggs
- 5 ounces Swiss cheese, grated
- 1½ cups cream or half and half
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 ounces strawberry preserves, plus more on the side
- Powdered sugar, to taste
Preparation
Place diced croissants in a large work bowl.
Cut the sliced ham and turkey into ½-inch squares and separate the pieces.
Combine eggs, cheese and cream in a work bowl and mix to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the diced croissants, add the ham and turkey and toss to coat. Let stand 15–20 minutes, until the croissants absorb all the egg mixture.
Heat oven to 325°F.
While croissant is soaking, grease a 10-inch or similarly sized casserole dish with butter, then coat with granulated sugar.
Spread half of the mixture evenly into the dish and then pipe approximately 3 ounces of strawberry preserves over the top in a criss-cross pattern. Add the remaining mixture and bake 40–45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and additional strawberry preserves before serving.