Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole

If you love a rich, hearty breakfast with all the comforting flavors of a classic French Croque Madame, you’re going to adore this Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole! It’s warm, creamy, indulgent, and filled with savory ham, melty Gruyère, crispy bread, and a silky béchamel-like mixture all in a convenient make-ahead casserole form. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or when you want to treat yourself (and your family) to something a little special.

Why You’ll Love Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a moment around your table. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday breakfast, a weekend gathering, or simply a cozy Sunday morning, this casserole brings everyone together with its rich, savory flavor. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: It’s perfect for a special brunch or a simple family breakfast.
Budget-Friendly: Few ingredients, maximum flavor perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Prepare it the night before, then bake it in the morning.
Customizable: Swap in different cheeses or add veggies for your own twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will love it. It’s a universal favorite that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is rich, creamy, and wonderfully hearty. Let’s break it down:

Bread: The base that brings it all together crispy on the outside, soft and rich on the inside.
Ham: Adds a savory, hearty flavor to every bite.
Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a rich, nutty taste.
Eggs: Bind everything together and provide a creamy texture.
Milk: Gives the casserole a silky base and richness.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a nice tang to balance the richness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste and bring all the ingredients into harmony.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below).

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this rich and savory masterpiece:

Prepare Your Equipment:

Start by greasing a large casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.

Combine Ingredients:

Arrange a layer of bread in the bottom of the casserole dish. Top it with diced ham and shredded Gruyère.

Prepare Your Egg Mixture:

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.

Assemble the Dish:

Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese. Gently press down to make sure everything is submerged.

Chill (Optional):

For a rich flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight. This lets all the ingredients absorb the creamy mixture.

Bake to Perfection:

Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is set and the top is bubbly and lightly browned.

Finishing Touches:

Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm.

Serve and Enjoy:

Pair it with a simple green salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A light green salad tossed with vinaigrette
• Roasted or crispy potato wedges
• Fresh fruit salad for a touch of sweetness
• Grilled asparagus or tomato halves for a savory side
• Toasted baguette or croissants if you want to be indulgent

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
• Try adding veggies like diced peppers or spinach for additional color and texture.
• Substitute Canadian bacon or prosciutto for a different twist on the classic.
• Top it with a creamy béchamel sauce if you want an indulgent touch.
• Sprinkle chopped herbs like chives or dill on top for a fresh finish.

FAQ’s

1 Why is it called Croque Madame Casserole?
It’s a twist on the classic French Croque Madame sandwich rich, creamy, and savory made into a casserole.

2 Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it in the morning.

3 What kind of bread is best for this casserole?
A hearty French or sourdough bread works well, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

4 Can I add veggies to this casserole?
Of course! Spinach, diced peppers, or tomato are great additions.

5 How do I know it’s done?
The casserole is done when it’s set in the center and bubbly on the edges.

6 Could I use a different cheese instead of Gruyère?
Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella all work nicely.

7 How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
About 3-4 days if kept in an airtight container.

8 Can I freeze it?
Yes bake it first, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

9 Are there any substitutions for ham?
Bacon, prosciutto, or even diced chicken are great alternatives.

10 Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes it’s creamy, rich, and comforting perfect for all ages.

Conclusion

Croque Madame Breakfast Casserole is the perfect blend of rich, savory ingredients that come together to create a warm, comforting meal. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday breakfast, a weekend treat, or simply a cozy family brunch, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, layer it up, and let your oven do the rest a creamy, hearty, and indulgent breakfast awaits!

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