Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole

Name: Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 - 10 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 large loaf country-style bread, cut into 1" cubes; 6 large eggs; 1 c. half-and-half; 1/4 c. Dijon mustard; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for pan; 6 oz. shredded Gruyére (about 2 1/2 c.), divided; 4 oz. ham, torn into 1" pieces, divided; 1/4 c. (30 g.) all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 c. whole milk; Pinch of ground nutmeg

By Makinze GorePublished: Feb 16, 2023

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

4.3

12 Ratings

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Yields:

8 - 10 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 30 mins

Cal/Serv:

534

Jump to recipe

A croque monsieur is a delectable French sandwich featuring Gruyére and a silky béchamel sauce poured over top. Turning it into a breakfast casserole not only makes sense, but makes it easier to put together. You'll soon discover how simple it is to serve a crowd in the morning. It’s the savory version of French toast casserole and is perfect for your next brunch. Of course, we won't judge if you have it any time of day. The best part about this recipe is that you can plan ahead. You can assemble the casserole up to the first bake and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The sauce can be made the day before too. Just warm it back up to loosen it so you can easily pour it over your casserole.

Did you try this casserole? Let us know how it went in the comments!

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Ingredients

1
large loaf country-style bread, cut into 1" cubes
6
large eggs
1 cup
half-and-half
1/4 cup
Dijon mustard
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 Tbsp.
unsalted butter, plus more for pan
6 oz.
shredded Gruyére (about 2 1/2 c.), divided
4 oz.
ham, torn into 1" pieces, divided
1/4 cup
(30 g.) all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups
whole milk
Pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 300°. On a baking sheet, spread bread in an even layer and bake until dried out and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Step 2In a large glass measuring cup, whisk eggs, half-and-half, and mustard; season with salt and pepper. Pour over toasted bread and toss to coat. Let soak 10 minutes.
3. Step 3Increase oven temperature to 350°. Grease a 13"-by-9" baking dish with butter. Add about half of bread to prepared dish. Top with 1 cup Gruyére and half of ham. Top with remaining bread and pour remaining liquid over. Top with 1/2 cup Gruyére and remaining ham.
4. Step 4Bake casserole until bread is crispy and golden and cheese is melted, 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Step 5Meanwhile, in a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk into butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and smells nutty, about 2 minutes. While whisking, slowly pour in milk and continue to whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened enough to just coat a spoon, but not as thick as gravy, about 1 minute. Stir in nutmeg; season with salt and pepper.
6. Step 6Preheat broiler. Pour sauce over casserole and top with remaining 1 cup Gruyére.
7. Step 7Broil, watching closely, until cheese is melted and golden in spots, 2 to 5 minutes.