Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This easy-to-make Croque Monsieur breakfast casserole combines the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of the iconic French sandwich into a dish that’s perfect for lazy weekends or a special brunch. 

Breakfast (or really any meal of the day) doesn’t get much more satisfying than eggy custard, salty ham, melty gruyère cheese, and a baguette all baked until golden brown. 

The equipment you’ll  need

• 9-by-13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp bread knife

The ingredients for making Croque Monsieur breakfast casserole

• Unsalted butter (for the slices of bread and greasing the baking dish)
• Salt and pepper
• Large eggs
• Good quality ham (preferably French ham)
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard
• Gruyère cheese
• Day old baguette

Recipe instructions for Croque Monsieur breakfast casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and butter the bottom of the pan and sides generously.
2. Slice the day-old baguette into approximately 1/2″ pieces. Butter one side of the slices and spread a thin layer of mustard on the other side.
3. Arrange the bread slices butter side up, overlapping, in the pan, creating two layers. Tuck small pieces of ham into all the crevices created by the overlapping bread.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolks until combined. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, and ground black pepper and whisk until smooth. 
5. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices and press down with the palm of your hand making sure the bread absorbs some of the mixture.
6. Sprinkle the gruyère cheese evenly over the top of the bread and ham. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can refrigerate overnight and bake the next morning if you prefer.
7. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the egg custard has set, and the cheese and bread are golden brown on top.
8. When done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, place large spoonfuls of the casserole on plates, serve immediately, and enjoy!

You might also like these other French-inspired recipes

• Upside-down Croque Monsieur Puff Pastry Tart
• Tarte Tatin puff pastry

Here are a few of my other favorite things this week:

Vintage French copper

There’s still time to send a gift from SHOP MOST LOVELY THINGS. Like these copper pieces found at flea markets in Paris, Lyon, and Avignon. Every purchase is gift-wrapped and sent out the same day if purchased by 4 pm EST. 

Little Living Tree

It’s not too late to send a Little Living Tree from Terrain! And it’s 30% off. It comes in a beautiful velvet bag.

Need some ideas for neighbor gifts?

This year we are dropping off paperwhite kits. Last year it was Stovetop Potpourri in a Jar and Handpainted Candles. Just a few simple ideas!

Gingher Scissors

A pair of really nice scissors makes the best stocking stuffer! I use my Gingher scissors to cut everything (to the horror of people that sew). They make every job a little easier, from wrapping up gifts to making my frayed canvas ribbon. 

They come in chrome and black. If you don’t have a good pair of scissors, order a pair…you’ll wonder how you lived without them!

That’s all I have this week! Let’s check in with Mary Ann and Cindy who both had very big weekend events! 

Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design

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