Croque Monsieur Casserole
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of a classic Croque Monsieur in casserole form. This dish is a delicious twist on a beloved French sandwich, perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of buttery sourdough English muffins, creamy cheese, and savory ham creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- The Croque Monsieur Casserole is great for meal prep – simply make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Sourdough English muffins: Adds a tangy flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
- Butter: Provides richness and flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick to cut through the richness of the cheese and ham.
- Eggs and half-and-half: Create a creamy custard base for the casserole.
- Deli sliced ham: Adds a savory and salty element.
- Swiss or Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor.
- Milk, all-purpose flour, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese: Used to make a creamy cheese sauce for the casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the English muffin cubes until golden brown.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the English muffins and layer them in the baking dish with ham and cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Pour over the casserole.
- In a saucepan, make a cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, milk, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. Pour over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For added flavor, try using smoked ham or different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
- You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it the next day.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure to evenly distribute the ham and cheese layers for a balanced casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Croque Monsieur Casserole with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette and a glass of sparkling wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Yes, you can use any bread of your choice, but sourdough English muffins work best for their tangy flavor. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it the next day for a quick meal. - Can I freeze this casserole?
While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly upon reheating. - Can I use pre-cooked ham in this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked ham works well in this casserole.
Conclusion:
Try this Croque Monsieur Casserole for a delightful twist on a classic French dish. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a comforting meal, this casserole is sure to impress. Share your feedback and enjoy the delicious flavors of this savory dish.
PrintCroque Monsieur Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Croque Monsieur Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich, combining layers of sourdough English muffins, ham, and Swiss or Gruyere cheese in a rich and creamy egg mixture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 sourdough English muffins, cut into cubes
- 10 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1/2 pound deli sliced ham
- 3 cups grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese, divided
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Bread Base: Place the cubed English muffins in the baking dish and drizzle with melted butter and Dijon mustard.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Add a layer of ham followed by a layer of cheese over the bread mixture.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the casserole.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese until thickened. Pour this sauce over the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- You can customize the fillings by adding vegetables or different types of cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg