Croque Monsieur Casserole
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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?

  1. The combination of buttery sourdough English muffins, creamy cheese, and savory ham creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
  2. This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  3. 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:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the English muffin cubes until golden brown.
  3. Spread Dijon mustard on the English muffins and layer them in the baking dish with ham and cheese.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Pour over the casserole.
  5. In a saucepan, make a cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, milk, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. Pour over the casserole.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. 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:

  1. Make sure to evenly distribute the ham and cheese layers for a balanced casserole.
  2. 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.

Croque Monsieur Casserole

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Can I freeze this casserole?
    While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly upon reheating.
  4. 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.

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Croque Monsieur Casserole

Croque Monsieur Casserole

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Yield: 68 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

Units Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare Bread Base: Place the cubed English muffins in the baking dish and drizzle with melted butter and Dijon mustard.
  3. Layer Ham and Cheese: Add a layer of ham followed by a layer of cheese over the bread mixture.
  4. Whisk Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the casserole.
  5. Make Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese until thickened. Pour this sauce over the casserole.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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