Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole

Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole

from delish.com
90 min
8 - 10

This croque monsieur breakfast casserole is the savory brunch recipe you'll love. It's layered with melty cheese, ham, and a silky béchamel.

Ingredients

  • 1 large loaf country-style bread, cut into 1" cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 c. half-and-half
  • 1/4 c. Dijon mustard 
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper 
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for pan
  • 6 oz. shredded Gruyére (about 2 1/2 c.), divided
  • 4 oz. ham, torn into 1" pieces, divided
  • 1/4 c. (30 g.) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 c. whole milk
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 300°. On a baking sheet, spread bread in an even layer and bake until dried out and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

  2. 2

    In a large glass measuring cup, whisk eggs, half-and-half, and mustard; season with salt and pepper. Pour over toasted bread and toss to coat. Let soak 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Increase oven temperature to 350°. Grease a 13"-by-9" baking dish with butter. Add about half of bread to prepared dish. Top with 1 cup Gruyére and half of ham. Top with remaining bread and pour remaining liquid over. Top with 1/2 cup Gruyére and remaining ham.

  4. 4

    Bake casserole until bread is crispy and golden and cheese is melted, 30 to 40 minutes.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, in a medium pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk into butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and smells nutty, about 2 minutes. While whisking, slowly pour in milk and continue to whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened enough to just coat a spoon, but not as thick as gravy, about 1 minute. Stir in nutmeg; season with salt and pepper.

  6. 6

    Preheat broiler. Pour sauce over casserole and top with remaining 1 cup Gruyére.

  7. 7

    Broil, watching closely, until cheese is melted and golden in spots, 2 to 5 minutes.