Baked Croque Monsieur Croissant Casserole Recipe

Weekends call for indulgent breakfast delights that blend French sandwich classic croque monsieur with flaky croissant magic.

Buttery layers of pastry embrace rich ham and melted cheese in this irresistible morning treat.

Each bite promises a decadent fusion of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp edges and creamy centers make this bake a true breakfast showstopper.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps turn an ordinary morning into a gourmet experience.

The aroma of baking cheese and golden croissants will draw everyone to the kitchen.

Dive into this delicious crossover recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Serving Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake With Ease

• French Bistro Brunch: Pair this luxurious croissant bake with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that feels like a Parisian cafe experience.
• Elegant Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside fresh orange juice or a delicate cappuccino to elevate the morning dining experience with sophisticated French flair.
• Weekend Entertaining Tip: Complement the rich dish with a light cucumber and dill salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the creamy cheese and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Simple Wine Pairing: Choose a dry white wine like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc to harmonize with the creamy bechamel and complement the savory ham and cheese flavors.

Storage Ideas For Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake

• Quick Chill Strategy: Store leftover Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake in an airtight container within refrigerator for 3-4 days, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining delicate texture.
• Freezing Smart: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, allowing safe storage up to 2 months without compromising flavor or quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, restoring crispy croissant edges and melty cheese perfection. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy results.
• Advance Prep Tip: Assemble entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, covering and refrigerating. Remove from fridge 30 minutes prior to cooking, extending convenience for busy meal planners.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 5

What Ingredients Go In Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky base that adds luxurious texture and rich flavor to the dish.
• Ham: Provides savory protein and classic French sandwich essence, choose high-quality deli-style or thick-cut ham for best results.

• Gruyere Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, melty combination that creates depth of flavor and golden-brown crispy topping, select freshly grated cheeses for optimal melting.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich sauce foundation, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Flour: Provides thickening power and smooth texture for sauce, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Delivers creamy consistency, whole milk recommended for richest results.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and subtle sharpness to sauce, use smooth variety.
• Nutmeg: Introduces warm, aromatic undertone typical in traditional French cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning elements that enhance overall dish complexity.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh note and visual appeal to finished dish.

Baking Tools For Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for layering and baking the entire dish evenly.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy bechamel sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending flour, butter, and milk without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese freshly.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent over-browning.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting croissants and chopping parsley.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for prep work.

Instructions To Make Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen companion to a cozy 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light butter kiss to prevent sticking.

• Layering Magic

Spread croissant bottoms across the dish like a delicious blanket. Drape ham slices generously, sprinkle a waterfall of Gruyere cheese, then crown with croissant tops.

• Silky Sauce Creation

In a dancing saucepan, melt butter until golden. Whisk flour into a creamy ballet, gradually inviting warm milk to join. Let the mixture thicken like a luxurious dream. Whisper in Dijon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper for an extra flavor punch.

• Cheesy Symphony

Pour the velvety sauce over your croissant landscape. Shower with remaining Gruyere and any bonus cheese you fancy.

• Baking Transformation

Wrap the dish in foil armor, then bake for 20 minutes. Unveil and continue baking until the top turns into a gorgeous golden landscape with bubbly cheese peaks.

• Final Flourish

Allow your creation a brief moment to settle. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley like confetti. Serve while warm and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Tips To Make Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake Better

• Perfect Crunch Secrets: Pro Tips lessen crispiness by covering with foil during initial baking to prevent over-browning of croissants.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble entire dish night before, refrigerate, then bake directly from cold state – perfect for breakfast gatherings or brunch parties.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular croissants with gluten-free croissants or bread, use gluten-free flour for bechamel sauce to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap ham with roasted vegetable medley like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use large portobello mushroom caps instead of croissants, layer with ham and cheese for a protein-packed, carbohydrate-reduced breakfast casserole that delivers similar decadent taste without heavy bread component.

Crispy Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Parisian-inspired Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake combines classic French sandwich flavors in a delightful breakfast casserole. Layers of buttery croissants, ham, and rich béchamel create a luxurious morning treat that transports diners straight to a charming café in France.

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Ingredients

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• 6 croissants, halved horizontally
• 8 oz (225 g) thinly sliced ham
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Layer Assembly: Construct the base by placing croissant bottoms in the dish, then evenly distribute ham slices across the surface. Sprinkle half the Gruyere cheese, crown with croissant tops to create a layered sandwich structure.
3. Bechamel Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour until golden. Gradually incorporate warm milk, stirring consistently to eliminate lumps. Develop a smooth sauce, enhancing with Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
4. Cheese Coating: Pour bechamel sauce generously over the croissant layers, ensuring complete coverage. Distribute remaining Gruyere, add mozzarella, and finish with a Parmesan dusting to create a luxurious cheese blanket.
5. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue cooking 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbling with crisp edges.
6. Serving Presentation: Rest the bake for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Croissant Quality Matters: Select fresh, high-quality butter croissants for the best texture and flavor; day-old croissants work perfectly and prevent sogginess.
• Bechamel Technique: Whisk constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps; use warm milk for smoother sauce and better integration with other ingredients.
• Cheese Layer Strategy: Grate cheeses fresh for maximum melting potential and richer flavor; mix cheese varieties for complex taste and ideal melting consistency.
• Dietary Adaptation: For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend in bechamel sauce; use gluten-free croissants if available.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1060 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg