Description
Parisian charm meets breakfast comfort in this Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake, blending flaky French pastry with luxurious ham and melted cheese. Gourmet mornings come alive with each golden, crispy bite that promises pure culinary delight you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) thinly sliced ham
- 6 large croissants, halved horizontally
Cheese:
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk, warmed
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease to prevent sticking.
- Carefully arrange the bottom halves of buttery croissants across the baking dish, creating a delectable foundation. Drape thin slices of savory ham uniformly over the croissant base, then shower half of the rich Gruyere cheese across the surface. Crown the ham with the remaining croissant tops, forming a delightful sandwich-like structure.
- Craft the silky bechamel sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over gentle heat. Introduce flour and whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a golden, frothy concoction. Slowly stream in warmed milk, continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency. Integrate Dijon mustard, a whisper of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Lavishly cascade the bechamel sauce over the croissant layers, ensuring every crevice is thoroughly coated. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere, add a layer of mozzarella, and dust with Parmesan to create a decadent cheese blanket.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then unveil the foil and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top achieves a golden, bubbling perfection.
- Allow the dish to rest and settle for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. If desired, garnish with a scattering of fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Opt for day-old croissants to prevent soggy texture and enhance the dish’s overall structure and absorption of flavors.
- Select high-quality ham like Black Forest or Virginia ham for richer, more complex taste profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives by using almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the bechamel sauce and substituting gluten-free croissants for a celiac-friendly version.
- Experiment with protein variations like prosciutto, turkey, or vegetarian ham to customize the dish while maintaining its delightful French-inspired essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg