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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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