Monte Cristo Waffle Strata.
Hmm, so where shall I begin?
Yesterday’s post was clearly a bit of a struggle for me (Monday…of course) but today I have SO much to chat about. This strata, my mom’s Christmas morning tradition of waffle strata and monkey bread, and then… the most exciting thing!
My little bro just KILLED it at the Dew Tour. I know this is a food blog and all, but you guys, I have to do my sisterly duty and brag a little. That kid made his entire family (aka the Gerard Family Circus) incredibly proud, but I think I have to be the most. Little Red just proved so much to everyone this last week. At only 15 years old, and placing 5th in a huge profession competition with the top snowboarders in the world. Yes, you guys in the world. He was the only American in the top 5! It’s a big frickin deal.
I can’t lie, the kids got skills.
I honestly could not be more excited for him. AND you guys, he even got me to go outside into the real world to watch him compete. I actually stopped working for almost FOUR hours. I know, I know, I still cannot believe it. I have to say, he made it worth it, and I would do it all over again. Although, watching him literally fly off 75 foot jumps is maybe one of the most nerve-racking things. Like ever.
Watching him nail (or stomp as all my brothers would say) his second run? Best feeling. Just so happy and proud of that kid. If you are at all curious to read more, you can check out a video and info here (just the very beginning of the video). A recap will be shown on NBC on 12/20 at 2:30 EST. You can also search his name if you’re super curious. Oh, and if you’re really into it, you could give him a like on Instagram. He’d be extra pumped on that.
Just sayin.
Okay, okay. Let’s talk about food now.
Monte Cristo Waffle Strata actually. Maybe one of the most retro recipes to ever be posted on Half Baked Harvest. But hey, it’s good.
Growing up my mom always tried to make something not so sweet and sugary to go along with her Monkey Bread. She would make this waffle strata thing with Pillsbury Waffles, eggs, sausage (or maybe ham), cheese and then I dunno really know what else. I don’t remember eating it to be honest with you, but I remember my mom making it. So this year, I kind of really wanted to make a Monte Cristo and then I got to thinking it might be really good as strata.
Verdict? Yes, it is!
This is literally a Monte Cristo sandwich, but perhaps better. I mean, for one there’s waffles. Waffles that get soaked in an eggy batter, baked and topped with all the traditional toppings. Well, I used a homemade cranberry raspberry jam, but then all the traditional toppings.
You guys, this is SO good and SO easy. It takes maybe ten to twenty minutes to assemble and if you’re not feeling the homemade waffles, you can use store-bought. As much as I LOVE the homemade buttermilk waffles, I get it, it’s Christmas and things are flipping busy. You gotta do what you gotta do.
All that said, if you have the time and ability to make my waffle recipe you should. It’s definitely a hit around here. I think the boys ate the whole batch the day I made these…meaning I had to make more. The good news is, they’re really easy to make. YES.
This is the perfect breakfast for Christmas morning. You can make it the night before, let it sit in the fridge and then just have it bake while you open presents. Then eat!!
I have to say this though, the toppings for this recipe are a must… A MUST. I recommend turning your leftover cranberry sauce into a homemade topping for this dish. I just added a couple tablespoons of maple syrup to the sauce, plus a fresh pack of raspberries. It was so delicious…and festive too! Powdered sugar is also a NEED, plus I highly recommend a drizzle of maple syrup. Not highly, like you should do it. <–DO IT.
I know that sounds a bit sweet but with the eggy batter and the swiss cheese inside the waffles?!? Whoa. Yum!
Oh, I also added a dollop of Creme Fraiche, cause I mean, why not? It’s Christmas, GO FOR IT!
Trust me, make this breakfast Christmas morning and everyone will be extra happy.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Monte Cristo Waffle Strata.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ham, monte cristo, turkey, waffle, waffles
This is SO good and SO easy. It takes maybe ten to twenty minutes to assemble and if you're not feeling the homemade waffles, you can use store-bought.
Ingredients
- 12 square waffles if using frozen waffles, toast first, my recipe below
- 8 slices deli ham or leftover holiday ham
- 8 slices thinly sliced deli turkey (optional my family prefers this without the turkey)
- 2-3 cups swiss cheese shredded
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups milk
- pinch of salt + pepper
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- cranberry/raspberry preserves powdered sugar, maple syrup, creme fraiche + fresh fruit, for serving
Buttermilk Waffles
- 3 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 6 eggs
- 1 1 /2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
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Line 6 waffles along the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer with the ham, turkey (if using) and swiss cheese. Add the remaining 6 waffles on top.
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In bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, vanilla and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the waffles. Move the dish from side to side to ensure the eggs have evenly coated all the waffles. Cover the dish and place in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight.
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When ready to bake, remove the strata from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Bake on the middle rack for 45 minutes or until the eggs are set in the center of the strata. If the waffles begin browning before the strata is finished cooking, cover with foil.
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Allow to sit 5 minutes before serving and then serve with warm cranberry preserves/jam, fresh fruit powdered sugar and or maple syrup. I also love adding a dollop of creme fraiche too! You can't skip out on the preserves and powdered sugar as they are essential to a Monte Cristo!
Buttermilk Waffles
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, butter and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt until just combined. It is OK if the batter is a little clumpy. Let batter sit for 5-10 minutes while you preheat your waffle iron.
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Cook the waffles as directed by your waffle iron. I prefer to cook them very lightly. Eat as they are or use as directed above.
And I’ll take that bite please…wait…on second thought, just pass the plate. DONE.
yum! these seem like the savory version of those amazing sounding gingerbread waffles you posted a little while back. and congrats to your brother! i found a clip of his run and he made it all look so effortless (which i’m sure it isn’t- i avoid skiing in/near terrain parks at all costs lol).
Waffles are my favourite treat and these buttermilk waffles look awesome!
Also, congratulations to your brother!
http://bit.ly/1I4PNM4
I love love love waffles !!! I love the savoury/sweet twist you have going 🙂 . Looking forward to breakfast !
Red did so well, I checked out the video – wow !!! he does have skills, I am not surprised you are so proud of him. Well done Red !
Hope you are having a good week 🙂
I will definitely be making these Christmas morning, they look and sound absolutely delicious!
I can’t wait to eat these at your restaurant. Is it open yet? (Like you need another project to keep you busy). Sorry, I just want to eat these, RIGHT NOW! Thank you for the awesome recipe, Ardith
What a fantastic idea – waffles + monte cristos. Perfect Christmas brunch food!!
Congrats to your bro!! How exciting to get to witness it yourself!
Wow this looks SO good! I can’t deicde if it’s a sweet or savory recipe?! Could be both at the same time. Brilliant! I imagine you can make a sweeter version too, kinda like waffle french “toast”?? That would be sooo good 😀
Love the photography too.
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Agnes
Thank you so much, Agnes! 🙂
These look fantastic! Also, the videos you have been making lately are great as well! Keep up the good work!
Congrats to Red! How exciting, proud and scared you must have been! This recipe tho – want to make it like right now! Looks great Tieghan!
This is such a great take on a retro recipe and that raspberry + creme fraiche topping is dreamy!
Wow! This is so creative! And it seems like the perfect savory thing to go along with other sweeter Christmas morning things. Also, congrats to your brother! Your family is so talented! Seriously, your parents must be so proud!
I like it, good idea.
Absolutely adore every single look.
http://www.boomcraftbeer.com
Hi, For the flour do I use self rising or all ?
all-purpose. Hope you love this! Happy Holidays!
Do do you think Van’s ready made gluten free waffles would work with this recipe?
Hi! I personally have never tried them, but I think that should be fine. Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a happy New Year!
Follow up: I used toasted Gluten Free Van’s waffles and it worked out perfectly and looked just like the pictures. Made with the turkey and ham, next time will use all ham, more yum power. A make-ahead Gluten Free recipe that actually taste great!
Happy New Year
So happy you loved the recipe! Thanks!!
I love the recipe idea! Where did you get those amazing plates?
So happy to have found your recipes…and congratulations to Red!
That looks really good! Can’t wait to try this one with dark chocolate in the middle, oooh yes 🙂
Wow sounds so delicious!! I hope you enjoy, thanks!
can you use a Belgium waffle iron?
Hi Jon! Yes, a Belgium waffle iron works great. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Unfortunately this recipe did not turn out for me. I followed the recipe exactly ( did use frozen store bought waffles). Very soupy bottom, are you sure it should take 3 cups of milk? Ended up cooking it for 1 1/2 hours and still a very wet bottom. Thinking just too much milk.
Hi Diane, I am sorry you had trouble. The 3 cups of milk is correct. Was there anything you did differently at all? Any ingredients different? Method of baking this? Any info will be helpful to help me problem solve and figure out what might be happening for you. It’s hard to know without knowing any details. Hope I can help you! xTieghan
Confusing amount of butter listed for the waffles – typo?
HI! You need 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks or 3/4 cup) butter. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
I thought this was ok, not great. I could have baked it longer than the 50 minutes that I did. The bottom was soggy. The recipe wasn’t good enough for me to save.
Hi Apri! Please let me know if there is anything I could help you with! xTieghan
Just made this yesterday and it was delicious! I followed the recipe 100% with no substitutions or changes. Can’t wait for an excuse to make it again!!!
Hey Angela,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed. Have a great week! xTieghan