Gourmet Baked Croque Monsieur Casserole
Experience the delightful fusion of textures and flavors in this Gourmet Baked Croque Monsieur Casserole. This dish transforms the classic French indulgence into a crowd-pleasing casserole, perfect for lunch, brunch, or a cozy gathering. With layers of creamy cheddar, savory ham, and caramelized onions, all soaked in a rich custard mixture, this baked treat offers a sumptuous twist on the traditional grilled sandwich. Top it off with crispy panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistible crunch. Serve warm and watch everyone enjoy this comforting dish that brings a taste of France to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
16 slices (crusts removed (optional))
cheddar cheese
3/4 lb (sliced)
ham
3/4 lb (sliced)
onion
1 medium (thinly sliced)
eggs
6 large (beaten)
milk
2 1/2 cups (none)
herbs
1 teaspoon (of your choice, dried)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (none)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Baked Croque Monsieur Casserole?
It is a baked version of the classic French Croque Monsieur sandwich, layered with bread, ham, cheddar, and caramelized onions, then soaked in a savory custard and topped with crispy panko.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 slices of white bread. For the best texture, you can remove the crusts if desired.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
While the recipe uses cheddar, you can substitute it with Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a more traditional French flavor profile.
How is the onion prepared for the casserole?
The onion should be thinly sliced and caramelized to add a sweet, savory depth to the layers of the casserole.
How many eggs are needed for the custard mixture?
This recipe requires 6 large beaten eggs to create the rich custard that binds the casserole together.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of milk. Whole milk is generally preferred for a richer, more indulgent result.
What makes the topping crispy?
The topping achieves its irresistible crunch from a combination of 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is a perfect crowd-pleasing dish for brunch, lunch, or cozy gatherings due to its savory, comforting nature.
Which herbs should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of your choice of dried herbs. Thyme, rosemary, or herbes de Provence work exceptionally well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and the custard in advance and let it soak in the refrigerator before baking to save time.
How much ham is required?
You will need 3/4 lb of sliced ham for the meat layer of the casserole.
How much cheese is used inside the casserole?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of sliced cheddar cheese between the bread layers.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Panko is recommended for a superior crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute if needed.
Is the salt necessary?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors, but you can adjust this based on the saltiness of your ham and cheese.
How should I serve this casserole?
Serve it warm directly from the oven to ensure the cheese is melty and the topping remains crispy.
Can I add more vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on onions, you can add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, it is advisable to lightly grease your baking dish to prevent the bread and eggs from sticking.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory fusion of creamy cheese, salty ham, and sweet caramelized onions with a buttery, crunchy finish.
Can I use sourdough bread instead of white bread?
Yes, sourdough bread is a great alternative that provides a slightly tangy flavor and sturdier structure.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 primary ingredients used to create this gourmet casserole.
Is there a specific way to layer the ingredients?
Typically, you alternate bread, ham, cheese, and onions, finishing with bread and pouring the custard over the top.
Does the recipe contain any fiber information?
Specific nutritional information like fiber, calories, and fat is not provided in the current recipe data.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but remember that fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried; use about three times the amount of fresh herbs.
What is the role of the Parmesan cheese?
The grated Parmesan is mixed with the panko and butter to provide a salty, sharp flavor and help the topping brown.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Absolutely, its rich layers and warm, cheesy texture make it a classic comfort food dish.
How long should the bread soak in the egg mixture?
For the best results, let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, the familiar flavors of ham and cheese sandwiches in a soft, baked form are usually very kid-friendly.
What type of ham works best?
Deli-sliced ham works well, but thick-cut honey ham or smoked ham can add even more flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ham and perhaps add more vegetables like roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
What is the origin of the Croque Monsieur?
The Croque Monsieur is a classic French bistro sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 20th century.