This Croque Monsieur Casserole is a delicious and hearty take on the classic French sandwich. Layers of buttery sourdough English muffins, thinly sliced ham, and rich Swiss cheese are baked to perfection and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, then finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. It’s the perfect combination of savory flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a holiday brunch or simply want a comforting meal, this dish is easy to prepare ahead of time and offers an elegant twist on traditional breakfast casseroles. The creamy sauce, crispy bread, and melted cheese create an indulgent yet approachable dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 8 cups cubed sourdough English muffins
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces thinly sliced ham
- 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chives for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Toss cubed English muffins with melted butter and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until lightly browned.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
- Place half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, then layer half the ham and 2 cups of Swiss cheese. Repeat with the remaining bread, ham, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole and press gently to submerge the bread. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until the egg mixture is set, covering with foil if it browns too quickly.
- While baking, prepare the cream sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened (about 3 minutes). Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the casserole is baked, broil it by pouring the cream sauce on top and adding the remaining shredded Swiss cheese and Parmesan. Broil for 3 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal per serving
Servings: 8 servings
The Croque Monsieur Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich, turning a simple breakfast or brunch dish into a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish draws its inspiration from the well-loved Croque Monsieur, a traditional French sandwich that’s typically made with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, all toasted to perfection. However, the casserole version takes the concept to a whole new level by baking the ingredients together, creating a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying experience with every bite.
The History Behind the Croque Monsieur
The origins of the Croque Monsieur date back to Paris in the early 1900s, where it first appeared on a café menu. The name itself is derived from the French word “croquer,” meaning “to bite,” and “monsieur,” meaning “mister.” Essentially, the sandwich was intended as a quick, hearty snack that could be enjoyed at any time of day. Over time, this humble sandwich became a staple in French bistros and cafés and eventually gained worldwide recognition. The sandwich’s simple yet decadent ingredients – ham, cheese, and béchamel – made it both approachable and elegant.
The casserole version is a more recent adaptation, designed to transform the individual sandwich into a larger dish that can be served to multiple people. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings or when you’re hosting brunch and want something that can be easily prepared in advance.
Why the Croque Monsieur Casserole is Special
This dish stands out for several reasons, primarily due to its simplicity and versatility. While the original Croque Monsieur requires assembling individual sandwiches, the casserole version eliminates the need for that extra work by layering everything in a baking dish and cooking it all together. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a dish that’s even more flavorful than its sandwich counterpart.
The ingredients used in this casserole are straightforward: sourdough English muffins, ham, Swiss cheese, eggs, half-and-half, and a creamy béchamel sauce. These components come together to create a dish that is both savory and rich, with the melted cheese and sauce adding an irresistible creaminess to every bite.
Moreover, the use of sourdough English muffins adds a unique texture to the casserole. The muffins are first toasted, ensuring they maintain a slight crunch even after being baked in the egg mixture. This contrasts beautifully with the softness of the ham and the gooey, melted cheese. It’s a textural delight that makes each forkful an enjoyable experience.
A Perfect Dish for Entertaining
One of the biggest advantages of the Croque Monsieur Casserole is how well it works for gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a casual weekend get-together, this dish can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd. The best part? It can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve. This makes it incredibly convenient for anyone looking to impress guests without being stuck in the kitchen for hours.
The dish also has a luxurious quality to it, despite its simplicity. The combination of the creamy béchamel sauce, salty ham, and nutty Swiss cheese gives it a rich and indulgent flavor that feels special. For those who want to add a touch of elegance to their brunch menu, this casserole fits the bill perfectly.
Customization and Versatility
Another reason why the Croque Monsieur Casserole is such a fantastic dish is its versatility. While the traditional version calls for ham and Swiss cheese, you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you could use smoked turkey instead of ham for a slightly different flavor. If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, Gruyère or even cheddar would work just as well. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the ham and load up on sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
In addition, the casserole can be adapted to fit a variety of dietary restrictions. You can use gluten-free bread or muffins in place of the sourdough English muffins, or opt for a plant-based milk and cheese substitute to make the dish dairy-free. This flexibility makes the Croque Monsieur Casserole accessible to a wide range of people, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy it.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Croque Monsieur Casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a balanced brunch spread, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole. Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes, also make excellent accompaniments.
If you’re looking to keep things simple, serve the casserole with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or citrus segments, to provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, savory dish. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a mimosa would also be a lovely addition to the meal, complementing the brunch vibe perfectly.
For those who enjoy a more decadent brunch, you could also serve the casserole with additional breakfast items like crispy bacon, sausage links, or even a fruit-topped yogurt parfait. The beauty of this dish is that it can anchor a variety of spreads, from casual to more elaborate, depending on the occasion.
Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Rotation
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve, the Croque Monsieur Casserole should definitely be on your radar. Its combination of classic flavors, ease of preparation, and ability to feed a crowd makes it an ideal choice for special occasions, holiday breakfasts, or even a cozy weekend meal at home. The rich béchamel sauce, melted cheese, and toasted bread create an indulgent experience that will leave everyone at the table satisfied.
In addition, this casserole is a great way to elevate everyday ingredients. By using common items like eggs, bread, and cheese, you can create something that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time. It’s the kind of dish that feels familiar but also a little fancy, making it perfect for when you want to impress without overcomplicating things.
Conclusion
The Croque Monsieur Casserole is a brilliant adaptation of the classic French sandwich, designed to simplify the process of preparing a beloved dish while maximizing flavor and convenience. It’s the ideal recipe for brunch, allowing you to prepare everything ahead of time and serve up a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. With its rich combination of ham, cheese, and creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or customize it to suit your tastes, this recipe offers endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying meals. So, the next time you’re planning a brunch or breakfast gathering, consider adding the Croque Monsieur Casserole to your menu. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please and will leave your guests asking for seconds!