MONTE CRISTO ONE-PAN BAKE

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES • BAKE TIME: 30 MINUTES • YIELD: 6 TO 8 SERVINGS

A twist on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich, this one-pan bake combines the sweet flavours of French toast with ham and cheese.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp (30 mL) Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp (30 mL) mayonnaise • 1 large French baguette, cut into 21 slices (¾-inch or 2 cm thick) • 7 slices deli ham, cut in half length-wise (about ¼ lb or 125 g) • 2 ⅓ cups (575 mL) shredded

Gruyere cheese, divided • 5 eggs • ½ cup (125 mL) 2% milk • ⅛ tsp (0.5 mL) each salt

and pepper • Icing sugar and

preserves (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1 Preheat the oven to 375°F (1900C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch (3 L) baking dish. 2 In a small bowl, combine mustard and mayonnaise; spread on one side of each baguette slice. 3 Place prepared baking dish on counter, with the shortest side facing you. Working from the top of dish, place 3 baguette slices (mustard side up), slightly propped up along the short side of the dish. Sprinkle with a ⅓ cup (75 mL) of cheese and top with 2 slices ham, overlapping (1 full slice per row). Prop the next slices of bread up against the ham and continue to layer until no ingredients remain. You should have 7 rows in total. 4 In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add salt and pepper; mix well. Pour evenly over the contents in baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes. 5 Uncover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with traditional Monte Cristo accompaniments, icing sugar and preserves, if desired.

Tip: Substitute Swiss cheese for Gruyere for a lighter flavour. Tip: Baguettes at your local grocery store can range in length. Look for a baguette that is 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm) long. www.getcracking.ca/recipes/ monte-cristo-one-pan-bake