Savory Dutch Baby (Croque Monsieur)

Savory Dutch Baby (Croque Monsieur)

3 servings
This savory Dutch baby is a fluffy, buttery baked pancake topped with a decadent bechamel sauce and salty, thinly sliced ham. Whether you serve it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this cheesy, eggy, herby dish is definitely going to be a hit!

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 large cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • pinch nutmeg

    freshly grated

  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup gruyère

    grated

  • ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
    Diamond Crystal, or to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
    to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole milk

    room temp

  • 3 large eggs

    room temp

  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chives

    chopped

  • 1½ teaspoon fresh thyme

    chopped

  • 3½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons gruyère

    freshly grated

  • 2 tablespoons parmesan

    freshly grated

  • 5 ounces Virginia ham

    thinly sliced

Directions

  1. 1

    Place milk, thyme, and smashed garlic in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until milk mixture is warm through. Do not allow to bubble or come to a boil. Simmer on low for 15 minutes to infuse milk thyme and garlic flavor. Remove and discard thyme and garlic just before adding to the four butter mixture. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Combine flour, eggs, milk, dijon, salt and pepper in bowl and use an immersion blender to mix until well combined. Add chives and thyme and whisk with a fork until combined.

Savory Dutch Baby (Croque Monsieur)

Savory Dutch Baby (Croque Monsieur)

60 min3 servings

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About this Recipe

Tired of the same old breakfast or looking for a show-stopping savory dish that works for any meal? This Savory Dutch Baby, inspired by the classic Croque Monsieur, transforms a simple baked pancake into an unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a unique dinner.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ingenious fusion of comfort food elements. You get the airy, buttery appeal of a Dutch baby combined with the luxurious, savory notes of a Croque Monsieur. The contrast between the light, eggy pancake and the rich, cheesy béchamel, accented by salty ham, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will impress even discerning palates.

Prepare for a warm, deeply satisfying dish. The Dutch baby emerges from the oven gloriously puffed and golden, offering a delightful crispness on the edges and a tender, custardy interior. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, herby béchamel sauce, savory thinly sliced ham, and the distinct, nutty tang of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. Hints of fresh thyme and chives brighten the rich flavors, while a touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle, welcomed sharpness that elevates the entire dish.

While the recipe is robust in flavor, you can easily tailor it to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of fresh thyme or chives to suit your herbal preference. You can also experiment with different types of thinly sliced ham to vary the savory notes, though Virginia ham is a classic choice. For an extra cheesy experience, slightly increase the Gruyère or Parmesan, or play with their ratios in the béchamel.

Serve this magnificent Savory Dutch Baby as the centerpiece of a special brunch, a hearty lunch, or an elegant, comforting dinner. It truly stands on its own as a complete and satisfying meal.

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