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Croque Monsieur Croissant Recipe

Croque Monsieur Casserole Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the delightful season of gatherings and outdoor dining. Imagine pairing a just-right croque monsieur casserole with a crisp salad or some fresh fruit. Picture it: plates piled high, laughter ringing out, and flavor-packed aromas swirling in the breeze. 
This croque monsieur casserole has that classic French flair, but it's made for sharing. No fancy plates or rigid dinner party rules here—just good food with good company.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Calories: 287
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 ounces ham, shredded into 1" pieces, divided
  • 1 cup rich half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 30 g
  • 1 large loaf rustic country bread, diced into 1" cubes
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus additional for greasing the dish
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup zesty Dijon mustard
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 6 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese divided approximately 2 1/2 cups
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Trust me, nobody enjoys a casserole that fights back when you try to serve it!
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Milk
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, flour, sea salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. You want this mix to be smooth, with no lumps. Consider it the glue that holds this casserole together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
  1. Next, take your rustic bread cubes and scatter them evenly in the greased dish. Then, layer half of the shredded ham over the bread. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and ham. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This soaking time ensures that every piece of bread absorbs that delicious flavor.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Green Onions
  1. After the waiting game, sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese and the chopped green onions on top. This creates a heavenly cheesy layer that will melt into gooey perfection as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown
  1. Top with the remaining ham and Gruyère, then place this beauty in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle. You’ll want to see a little bubbling around the edges—it’s a sign of deliciousness.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
  1. Patience is a virtue. Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help it hold its shape, making for beautiful portions. As tempting as it might be, don’t skip this step!

Notes

  • Eggs: They create the foundation and help bind everything together.
  • Ham: Shredded ham adds savory bits of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
  • Half-and-Half and Milk: These creamy ingredients provide richness. You can substitute with lower-fat options if desired but beware of compromising on creaminess.
  • Rustic Country Bread: This bread’s texture absorbs the custard beautifully while maintaining some crunch.
  • Gruyère Cheese: Famous for its melting quality, it enhances the dish with rich, nutty flavors.
  • Dijon Mustard: This zesty addition cuts through the richness, adding just the right kick.
  • Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and depth. Don’t skip it!
  • Green Onions: These add a fresh touch, balancing the dish.
  • Paprika: A sprinkle introduces a subtle smokiness without overpowering the other flavors.