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Croque Monsieur Strata Recipe

Croque Monsieur Strata Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

Croque monsieur strata is a wonderful twist on the classic French croque monsieur sandwich. It's a savory baked casserole that combines layers of bread, cheese, and ham, soaked in a rich egg mixture. 
It’s perfect for brunch or a leisurely dinner. On busy days when time is tight, this dish can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy precious moments with loved ones.
This recipe has become a favorite in my household. On days when I want to impress, but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, croque monsieur strata comes to the rescue. 
It’s comforting, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 261
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups of whole milk
  • 6 cups of 1-inch cubes of rustic French bread
  • 2 cups of diced, fully cooked smoked ham
  • 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese about 8 ounces
  • 1/3 cup of unsalted butter or your favorite margarine
  • 3/4 cup of finely chopped red onion
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of ground mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly chopped thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Freshly chopped chives for garnish, if desired

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Bread
  1. Begin by slicing your rustic French bread into 1-inch cubes. This sturdy bread is the backbone of your strata, so don’t skimp on quality.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about three to four minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eight large eggs together with the whole milk, sea salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground mustard powder, and smoked paprika. This is your custard base.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
  1. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the bowl with the egg custard. Stir in the diced ham, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese.
Step 5: Layer the Bread
  1. In a greased 3-quart baking dish, create a layer of the bread cubes. Pour half the egg mixture over the top.
    Let it soak for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Repeat with another layer of bread, followed by the remaining egg mixture. Finish off with the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
Step 6: Refrigerate
  1. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit overnight, or at least for 30 minutes if you’re short on time. This step is vital for flavor development.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the strata for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set in the center.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
  1. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for color. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

Notes

  • Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread will absorb the custard better, leading to a creamier texture.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Gruyère is fantastic, but feel free to mix in cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss for variation.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the ham for sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
  • Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in some bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
  • Check for Doneness: If it browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.