The Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake is a deliciously rich and elegant twist on the classic French sandwich. Made with buttery croissants, savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for serving a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Luxurious Flavor: Combines the buttery flakiness of croissants with creamy béchamel and melted cheese.
- Easy to Make: Simplifies the classic Croque Monsieur into a crowd-friendly casserole.
- Perfect for Brunch: A show-stopping dish for holidays, gatherings, or weekend mornings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance for stress-free preparation.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with different cheeses, meats, or even vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Croissants (torn into large pieces)
- Deli ham (sliced or diced)
- Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Dijon mustard
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Place half of the torn croissants in the baking dish.
- Layer with half the ham, half the Gruyère cheese, and half the béchamel sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining croissants, ham, cheese, and sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
- Cheese Choices: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss, white cheddar, or mozzarella.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
- Mini Versions: Use individual ramekins for personal-sized portions.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free croissants and flour for the béchamel.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made béchamel sauce?
Yes, pre-made béchamel sauce can save time, though homemade provides the best flavor.
Can I use different bread instead of croissants?
Yes, brioche, challah, or even thick slices of French bread work well in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for breakfast and dinner?
Absolutely! It’s versatile enough for any meal of the day.
Can I assemble this bake the night before?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
Can I add eggs to this recipe?
Yes, whisk eggs into the béchamel sauce for a custard-like consistency.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with a fresh green salad, fruit, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this without ham?
Yes, you can skip the ham for a cheese-only version or replace it with turkey or chicken.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, its cheesy, buttery goodness is sure to please even picky eaters.
How do I prevent the croissants from becoming soggy?
Ensure the béchamel sauce is thickened properly and use day-old croissants for the best texture.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with butter over the top before baking for added crunch.
Conclusion
The Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake is an indulgent and versatile dish that brings a touch of French sophistication to your table. Perfect for any occasion, this casserole combines buttery croissants, savory ham, and creamy cheese into a decadent meal that’s sure to impress. Customize it to suit your tastes and enjoy a little Parisian flair in your kitchen!
PrintCroque Monsieur Croissant Bake
This Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake is a rich and indulgent twist on the classic French sandwich. Buttery croissants are layered with savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey Gruyère cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 6 large croissants, halved horizontally
- 8 oz (225 g) thinly sliced ham
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Croissants:
- Place the bottom halves of the croissants in the baking dish.
- Layer the ham slices evenly over the croissants and sprinkle with half of the Gruyère cheese.
- Place the top halves of the croissants over the filling.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking continuously, and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the croissants, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese, mozzarella cheese (if using), and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the bake cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese or sharp white cheddar for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach as the filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.