Croque Monsieur Casserole

Croque Monsieur Casserole

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A baked twist on the classic French sandwich, this Croque Monsieur Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of bread (preferably brioche or sourdough)
  • 6 oz (170g) ham, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups (200g) grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (for béchamel sauce)
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Ham

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange half of the bread slices in the baking dish.
  3. Layer the ham evenly over the bread.
  4. Sprinkle 1 cup of Gruyère cheese over the ham.
  5. Top with the remaining bread slices.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

  1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, 1 ½ cups milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  2. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread layers.
  3. Press down gently to ensure everything soaks in.
  4. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for better flavor absorption.

Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute until smooth.
  3. Slowly add 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly until thickened (about 3 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

  1. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the casserole.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  4. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Croque Monsieur Casserole

  1. Use Good Quality Ham: Smoked or Black Forest ham adds extra depth of flavor.
  2. Let It Soak: If time allows, refrigerate overnight to enhance the texture and taste.
  3. Try a Croque Madame Twist: Top each serving with a fried or poached egg for extra richness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

Enjoy your rich and delicious Croque Monsieur Casserole! 🧀🥪

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