Why Make This Recipe
Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake is a delicious twist on the classic French sandwich. This recipe combines flaky croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese with a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s perfect for brunch, a cozy breakfast, or even an impressive dinner. The ease of assembling this dish makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a comforting meal without too much fuss.
How to Make Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake
Ingredients:
- 6 Croissants
- 200g shaved ham
- 6 slices of cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 30g butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp wholegrain mustard
- Man Grind (to taste)
Directions:
Béchamel: Melt the butter in a saucepan and add flour. Cook off for about 30 seconds to one minute. Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth and starting to thicken. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for two minutes while stirring. Add mustard and season well with Man Grind. Remove from the heat. You should have a fairly thick béchamel sauce.
Assembly: Cut the croissants in half horizontally. Spread a little béchamel on each half of the croissant and place a couple of slices of ham and a slice of cheese on top. Repeat with all the croissants. You should have some béchamel left over for the top. Cut the filled croissants in half and arrange in a shallow casserole or baking dish. Whisk together 4 eggs and 1/4 cup of milk and season with Man Grind. Pour over the filled croissants and give them a gentle push or jiggle to encourage them to soak up a little of the egg on the bottom. Dollop any remaining béchamel on top of the croissants and add a little additional grated cheese if you like. Bake for 25 minutes at 180C Fan Bake or until golden and the egg has puffed up. Keep a fairly close eye on it because the croissants can burn easily. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake
Serve the Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake hot from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side salad for a light meal. It pairs well with coffee or a refreshing juice, making it an ideal brunch option.
How to Store Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat the dish within 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to retain its crispy texture or in the microwave if you prefer quicker reheating.
Tips to Make Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake
- Use fresh croissants for the best flavor and texture.
- You can add additional ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Cheddar, to switch things up.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the ham with roasted vegetables or a mix of mushrooms and spinach.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?
Yes, you can use any bread you like, but croissants give a special buttery flavor.
2. How can I make the béchamel sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, cook the béchamel longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Can I freeze Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking, and it may need a little extra time in the oven.
Croque Monsieur Croissant Bake
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 pieces Croissants Fresh croissants are recommended for best flavor and texture.
- 200 g shaved ham Can be replaced with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- 6 slices cheese Consider using Gruyère or Cheddar.
- 4 pieces eggs
- 1/4 cup milk For the egg mixture.
- 30 g butter For the béchamel sauce.
Béchamel ingredients
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk For the béchamel sauce.
- 1/2 tsp wholegrain mustard Adds flavor to the béchamel sauce.
- to taste Man Grind Season to taste.
Instructions
Béchamel Preparation
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and add flour. Cook for about 30 seconds to one minute.
- Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth and starting to thicken.
- Reduce heat to medium low and cook for two minutes while stirring.
- Add mustard and season well with Man Grind. Remove from the heat.
Assembly
- Cut the croissants in half horizontally.
- Spread a little béchamel on each half of the croissant and place a couple of slices of ham and a slice of cheese on top.
- Repeat with all the croissants and cut the filled croissants in half.
- Arrange in a shallow casserole or baking dish.
- Whisk together 4 eggs and 1/4 cup of milk and season with Man Grind. Pour over the filled croissants.
- Dollop any remaining béchamel on top of the croissants and add additional grated cheese if desired.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 180C Fan Bake or until golden and the egg has puffed up.
- Serve immediately.