Description
Delightful mini breakfast omelets blend eggs, cheese, and vegetables into perfect bite-sized morning treats. Home cooks can craft these simple protein-packed delights with basic kitchen skills and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) thinly sliced ham
- 6 large croissants, halved
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyère 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 ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and liberally grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Foundation Layer: Slice croissants horizontally and arrange bottom halves across the greased dish, creating a sturdy base for the culinary ensemble.
- Initial Layering: Distribute ham slices and sprinkle half the Gruyere cheese over the croissant base, then carefully replace croissant tops to complete the initial structure.
- Bechamel Creation: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over moderate heat. Whisk in flour until a light golden roux forms. Gradually stream warmed milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then enhance with nutmeg, Dijon mustard, and seasonings for a robust flavor profile.
- Assembly and Cheese Coating: Pour bechamel sauce generously over the layered croissants, ensuring complete coverage. Generously sprinkle remaining Gruyere, optional mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a luxurious cheese blanket.
- Baking and Transformation: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface achieves a golden, bubbling appearance that signals culinary perfection.
- Finishing Touch: Allow the dish to rest briefly, enabling flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately to capture the optimal temperature and flavor intensity.
Notes
- Optimize Croissant Selection: Choose fresh, buttery croissants with a soft, flaky texture for the best foundation, ensuring they can absorb the bechamel sauce without becoming soggy.
- Master Bechamel Technique: Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps, maintaining a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the croissants evenly and enhances overall flavor.
- Cheese Layering Strategy: Distribute cheese generously but evenly, allowing each bite to have a balanced mix of Gruyere, mozzarella, and Parmesan for maximum flavor complexity.
- Temperature Control: Watch the oven carefully during the final 5-10 minutes to prevent over-browning, ensuring a golden-brown top without burning the delicate croissant layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg