Description
Indulge in the comfort of Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole Recipe—a delicious twist on a classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. This savory dish combines layers of toasted bread, creamy béchamel sauce, and the richness of eggs, making it a delightful centerpiece for brunch or a special breakfast.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf of French or brioche bread, sliced
Ham
- 8 oz of quality ham, diced
Cheese
- 2 cups of Gruyère cheese, shredded
Eggs
- 6 large eggs
Milk
- 2 cups of whole milk
Butter
- 4 tbsp of unsalted butter
Flour
- 4 tbsp of all-purpose flour
Mustard
- 1 tsp of Dijon mustard
Salt and Pepper
- To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: Begin by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about two minutes until golden. Gradually add milk while continuously whisking, and let it simmer until thickened. Stir in mustard, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the sliced bread in a greased baking dish. Spread half the ham over the bread, followed by half the béchamel sauce. Repeat the process, finishing with the remaining béchamel sauce on top. Beat the eggs with a little salt and pour evenly over the assembled casserole.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until golden and set. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Prepare the casserole a night before and refrigerate for mingling flavors.
- Mix different cheeses for a layered flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.
- Introduce fresh arugula or chives for color before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 180mg