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Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole

Deliciously Cozy Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Indulge in a Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole, a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich, perfect for brunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 13 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 8 slices Thick Country French Bread Opt for unsliced crusty bread for best results.
  • 2 cups Gruyere Cheese Can substitute with Swiss or Gouda if needed.
  • 1 cup Smoked Ham Try using cooked bacon for a smokier flavor.
  • 6 large Eggs High-quality eggs will enhance the flavor.
  • 2 cups Bechamel Sauce This creamy sauce elevates the casserole's texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme Can replace with fresh parsley if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Use freshly ground for best flavor.
For Serving
  • 8 large Fried Eggs Top servings for a classic touch.
  • Fresh Parsley Garnish for color and freshness.

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cube the thick country French bread and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add diced smoked ham and shredded Gruyère cheese, tossing to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Prepare the béchamel by heating butter, adding flour, and whisking in milk until it thickens.
  4. Pour the whisked eggs and béchamel over the bread, ham, and cheese mixture. Fold gently to coat, then let rest for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, pressing down slightly. Sprinkle remaining Gruyère on top.
  6. Bake for approximately 38 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.
  7. Optionally, broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra crispness, watching closely.
  8. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes. Top with a fried egg and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use thick bread to absorb the egg mixture well. Ensure the béchamel is smooth. Let the mixture rest to achieve a tender casserole.

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