The Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake is a luxurious and easy-to-make dish perfect for brunches, potlucks, or a special breakfast. This recipe transforms the classic French sandwich into a delectable casserole featuring buttery croissants, creamy béchamel sauce, and layers of ham and cheese baked to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Indulgent: Combines flaky croissants with a creamy béchamel sauce and gooey cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Easy to Make: The casserole-style dish simplifies the classic Croque Monsieur into an effortless bake.
- Perfect for Crowds: Great for serving at family gatherings, brunch parties, or holiday mornings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when needed.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite cheeses, meats, or additional toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Croissants
- Deli ham
- Gruyère cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Dijon mustard
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking dish.
- Prepare the Croissants: Slice croissants in half horizontally and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Layer slices of deli ham and shredded Gruyère cheese inside the croissants.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the béchamel sauce over the croissants, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Choices: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Add Toppings: Enhance with sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Mini Bakes: Create individual portions by assembling the recipe in ramekins.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free croissants and flour for the béchamel sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
What type of ham works best for this recipe?
Deli-style ham works perfectly, but you can also use leftover baked ham or prosciutto for a gourmet touch.
Can I use pre-made béchamel sauce?
Yes, store-bought béchamel sauce can save time, but homemade offers the best flavor.
Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.
What pairs well with Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake?
Serve with a fresh green salad, fruit, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, portion the bake into individual servings, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F.
How can I prevent the croissants from becoming soggy?
Ensure the béchamel sauce is thickened properly and use a light hand when pouring it over the croissants.
Is this bake suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it’s a fantastic breakfast option, offering a savory alternative to sweet pastries.
Can I use different bread instead of croissants?
While croissants provide the best texture, you can use brioche or thick slices of French bread.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Can I add eggs to this recipe?
Yes, whisk eggs into the béchamel for added protein and a custard-like consistency.
Conclusion
The Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that combines the best of French cuisine with the convenience of a casserole. Whether you’re hosting brunch or looking for a comforting breakfast option, this recipe is sure to impress. Customize it to suit your tastes, and enjoy a little slice of Paris at home!
PrintCroque Monsieur Croissant Bake
This Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake is a decadent twist on the classic French sandwich. Flaky, buttery croissants are layered with savory ham, gooey Gruyère cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish is as elegant as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 6 large croissants, halved
- 8 oz (225 g) thinly sliced ham
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra gooeyness)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Croissants: Slice the croissants in half and arrange the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Add a layer of sliced ham and sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyère cheese over the croissants. Place the croissant tops back on.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in nutmeg, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the croissants. Sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère and mozzarella (if using). Top with grated Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or cheddar cheese if preferred.
- For added flavor, use smoked ham or add a touch of honey mustard to the béchamel sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.