Croque Monsieur Casserole Recipe

Name: Croque Monsieur Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 125 min
Ingredients: 12 sourdough english muffins, cut into cubes; 10 Tablespoons butter, divided; 2 Tablespoons dijon mustard; 8 eggs; 1 1/4 cup half and half; 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 pound deli sliced ham; 3 cups grated swiss or gruyere cheese; 2 cups milk; 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg; 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 75 minutes

Ingredients

6 sourdough English muffins, cut into cubes
10 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 large eggs
1 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
pound deli-sliced ham
3 cups grated Swiss or Gruyre cheese, divided
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a small pan.

Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the English muffin cubes with melted butter and Dijon mustard until well coated. Spread the coated cubes evenly on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the muffin cubes in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until they are lightly browned and toasted.

Step 4: While the bread cubes are baking, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, 1 teaspoon salt, and teaspoon pepper in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Once the bread cubes are ready, layer half of them in the prepared baking dish. Fold the ham slices in half, then tear them into 1 -inch pieces and distribute them evenly among the bread cubes. Top with 2 cups of grated Swiss cheese.

Step 6: Add the remaining bread cubes, followed by the remaining ham and Swiss cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the casserole, pressing lightly to submerge most of the bread cubes. Let the casserole stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake the casserole for 45 to 50 minutes, until the egg mixture is absorbed. If the casserole begins to brown too quickly, cover with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Step 9: Stir in the remaining salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue cooking for an additional 8 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Step 10: Once the casserole is done baking, turn on the ovens broiler. Pour the cream sauce over the casserole and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place the casserole back in the oven and broil for about 3 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 11: Let the casserole stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 652
Total Fat: 41g (52% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 18g (92% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 259mg (86% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1267mg (55% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 44g (16% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 24g
Protein: 27g (54% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
Calcium: 507mg (39% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium: 337mg (7% Daily Value)

The Fascinating World of Croque Monsieur Casserole

The Croque Monsieur Casserole is a modern twist on the classic French sandwich, blending layers of ham, cheese, and bchamel sauce into a comforting baked dish. Its origins trace back to the cafs of Paris in the early 20th century, where the Croque Monsieurliterally Mister Crunchwas first mentioned in menus around 1910. Initially a simple grilled ham and cheese sandwich, the Croque Monsieur quickly became a symbol of French caf culture, celebrated for its rich, indulgent flavors and crispy exterior.

Regional variations of this dish reveal the diversity of French cuisine. In Paris, the sandwich is typically made with Gruyre or Emmental cheese, whereas in the south of France, Comt or even local goat cheeses may be used. The casserole adaptation, popular in American kitchens, allows for a brunch-friendly presentation, often incorporating sourdough English muffins for extra texture. Some regions add Dijon mustard or bchamel sauce infused with nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile, making the casserole both creamy and aromatic.

What sets the Croque Monsieur Casserole apart from similar dishes, such as the Croque Madame or a standard baked ham-and-cheese strata, is its structured layering and the addition of a rich, velvety cream sauce finished under the broiler. Unlike the Croque Madame, which traditionally features a fried or poached egg on top, the casserole allows the egg mixture to integrate throughout, creating a custard-like interior that binds the bread, ham, and cheese harmoniously.

This dish is most commonly served at brunches, casual gatherings, or holiday breakfasts. Its ability to feed a crowd makes it ideal for family-style serving in a large baking dish, while individual portions can also be prepared in ramekins for more elegant presentations. Cafs and bistros often feature it as a weekend special, accompanied by fresh greens or a lightly dressed salad.

Interesting facts about the Croque Monsieur Casserole highlight its versatility. Some home cooks experiment with different breads, such as multigrain or brioche, or substitute cheeses like Swiss, Gruyre, or even cheddar blends. Creative variations include adding vegetables, herbs, or switching to a lower-fat bchamel for a lighter version. The casserole also allows for leftovers to be easily reheated, making it a practical yet indulgent option for busy mornings. Its transformation from a simple sandwich to a sophisticated casserole demonstrates how traditional recipes can evolve while retaining their classic French charm.

In essence, the Croque Monsieur Casserole is more than just a mealit is a bridge between French caf tradition and contemporary comfort food, offering a deliciously rich experience that appeals to both casual cooks and gourmet enthusiasts alike.

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FAQ about Croque Monsieur Casserole Recipe

Leftover Croque Monsieur Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze Croque Monsieur Casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until fully heated.

If you don't have sourdough English muffins, you can substitute with regular English muffins, croissants, or even cubed white bread. Just ensure the bread holds up well when baking and absorbs the egg mixture.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. After assembling the casserole and adding the egg mixture, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, bake as directed, allowing an extra 5-10 minutes if needed for the casserole to warm through.

Yes, you can make a healthier version by using lower-fat cheese, reducing the amount of butter, and using whole-grain bread. You can also substitute half-and-half with skim milk or a plant-based milk alternative.

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and replace it with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add some extra cheese to make up for the lack of protein from the ham.

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with regular yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even a bit of horseradish for an extra kick.

Yes! To make a Croque Madame, you can top the casserole with eggs and bake it for the last few minutes. You can either bake the eggs until the whites are set or fry them separately and place them on top before serving.

If you prefer, you can substitute Swiss or Gruyere with other melty cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or even cheddar. These cheeses will still provide the rich, creamy texture needed for the casserole.

Croque Monsieur Casserole is best served as a brunch or breakfast dish. You can pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for added flavor and color.

Comments

Jacob Nguyen

05/04/2025 06:08:58 AM

Wonderful recipe! It's unfair to leave a negative review without even trying it. If you're concerned about the calories, simply look for a different recipe that suits your dietary needs. I prepared it in a 9 x 13 casserole dish and it turned out amazing. Big thanks to Nicole McLaughlin for sharing this fantastic recipe! A real hit with everyone!

Charles White

04/05/2025 08:33:24 AM

I am giving this recipe a mid-rating for now because I have only prepped it and will be cooking and eating it tomorrow. However, there are a few issues I encountered. The recipe does not specify the pan size, which is something I find frustrating. It's such a simple detail to include and would be very helpful. Additionally, there seems to be a discrepancy with the amount of shredded cheese needed. The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded gruyere or swiss cheese, but in steps 4 and 5, it asks for a total of 3 cups, leaving nothing for the final step. This led to confusion and the need to get more cheese to complete the dish as instructed. Despite these issues, the recipe shows promise. I believe my 9x13 pan was too big, causing the layers not to stack as neatly as shown in the pictures. I recommend using a smaller pan for better results. Overall, I have adjusted my rating and added a star because the recipe turned out well. We used gruyere cheese, which added a lovely flavor. I hope the author corrects the cheese quantity discrepancy and includes the pan size for future clarity. This is a good recipe that, with a few tweaks, can be even better.

Dorothy Moore

11/21/2022 12:58:05 PM

Honestly, sourdough English muffins are a bit expensive for me in this area. I decided to use cubed regular sourdough bread instead, and the dish turned out amazing! Next time, I plan to increase the amount of cream sauce by half so that when I reheat the casserole the following day, I can have extra to drizzle on top. This variation of Strata is truly fantastic!

Matthew Smith

07/14/2023 03:38:32 AM

Excellent recipe as it is, but I plan to enhance it next time by adding eggs on top to make a Croque Madame casserole! I believe some runny yolks will definitely elevate the dish.

Victoria Davis

10/02/2022 05:25:16 PM

I was drawn to this recipe but made a few modifications to fit my dietary preferences for lower fat and fewer carbs. For those not watching their intake, feel free to indulge in all the butter and cream! Some reviews mentioned concern about calories, but there are ways to adjust. I used melted butter to lightly coat low carb bread slices from Hero (or you could try multigrain English muffins and a lighter butter alternative). I toasted the bread in my air fryer. I scaled down the recipe for my husband and me but will use the full amounts for a larger group next time. I used only 3 eggs and a third cup of cream. To reduce fat, I opted for low-fat, uncured ham and Swiss cheese. I used lesser amounts of butter and flour for the roux. You could omit the bechamel for a lighter version, but it adds authentic croque monsieur flavor. If not for carb concerns, I might skip the eggs and mix the ham, bread, and bechamel together. Sprinkle cheese on top and consider adding eggs to make it a Croque Madame. This recipe is versatile and delicious - we loved it!

Cynthia Martin

02/05/2023 02:24:55 PM

Here is the rewritten review: "This recipe is wonderful. I have discovered that letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the egg mixture to absorb better, resulting in a more delicious outcome. I typically use simple cubed bread, and it always turns out perfectly. This dish is definitely a keeper."

Sharon Wright

11/24/2023 03:51:07 PM

Revised review: I'm not a fan of sourdough breads or Swiss cheese, especially not gruyere. So, I opted for regular Thomas's bread and a mix of farmer cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddars along with Parmesan (3 cheese blend). For health reasons, I avoid salt but used granulated garlic and onion, finely chopped bell pepper, and mushrooms. This sandwich will definitely become a regular in my rotation, and I plan to experiment with adding horseradish mustard, various veggies, herbs, and spices that complement ham. I prefer to cook my own meats like hams, turkey, chicken, beef, corned beef, pastrami, and freeze them in portions rather than buying deli processed meats. The possibilities for combinations are endless, and I'm excited to try more variations. I appreciate this recipe! As a diabetic with a heart condition, I stick to Smart Balance Original instead of butter to meet my daily plant sterols butter intake requirement. I often use more Smart Balance than recipes suggest.

Rebecca Gonzalez

07/22/2023 11:39:43 AM

I stuck to this recipe closely, only using half of the ingredients. It turned out delicious! I might make it again when we have guests over. Although, I think just making croque monsieurs would be simpler!

Alexander Turner

08/06/2024 09:42:58 AM

This dish was way too dense for my liking. It felt like there was too much bread in it. I believe using half the amount would have been more appropriate. Additionally, I learned the importance of reading a recipe thoroughly beforehand, as this one ended up taking nearly 3 hours to make. Despite seeming simple, there were many interruptions and waiting times throughout the process.

Susan Rivera

12/22/2024 03:42:36 PM

I substituted coconut milk for regular milk and added 1/4 teaspoon more nutmeg to this recipe. It turned out to be perfect as is, and my family absolutely loved it. The portion was generous enough for us to save half for another meal. We paired it with seasoned green beans and a veggie salad for sides. This dish is perfect for a weekend when you have some extra time in the kitchen and the kids can lend a hand.

Barbara Wright

11/01/2024 04:51:15 AM

I decided to make a keto-friendly version by using keto buns instead of English muffins, and the result was absolutely fantastic. Surprisingly, even my picky teenager, who doesn't follow a keto diet, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Richard Sanchez

03/28/2023 03:38:55 PM

I decided to make a smaller portion of the recipe and used a 8x8 baking dish - the result was absolutely delightful. This dish has definitely earned a permanent spot on our menu rotation!

Kelly Martinez

10/07/2023 10:13:30 AM

This recipe can be found in the Summer 2025 issue of the magazine on page 54. It recommends lightly greasing 8 12 oz broiler-safe ramekins and setting the oven racks with one rack in the center and another 6" from the top broiler. I estimate that around 12 cups of ingredients are needed to fill the ramekins, but it's just a rough guess. I hope this information is helpful. If you search online, you can easily halve the recipe if needed.

Nicholas Edwards

09/06/2022 08:50:50 AM

Yum yum! I really enjoyed it, in case you couldn't tell.

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