Croque Madame Casserole Recipe

Introduction

The Croque Madame casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich, combining layers of brioche, turkey ham, and rich cheeses baked under a creamy béchamel sauce. Topped with perfectly baked eggs, this dish is comforting, elegant, and perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 slices brioche bread, cubed
• 6 slices turkey ham (or smoked turkey), chopped
• 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 eggs (depending on preference)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for eggs)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (for eggs)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish. Scatter the chopped turkey ham over the bread, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the bread mixture.
3. Step 3: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and create small wells in the top of the casserole for the eggs. Crack an egg into each well and season with salt and black pepper. Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
4. Step 4: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute turkey ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Use day-old brioche for better texture, as it soaks up the béchamel without becoming too soggy.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the béchamel for a subtle kick.
• Swap Gruyère for Emmental or Swiss cheese if preferred.
• If you like your eggs fully cooked, bake an additional 3-5 minutes until yolks are firm.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to preserve the texture. Eggs may become firmer upon reheating. Avoid microwaving to keep the béchamel smooth and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the eggs just before baking to ensure they cook perfectly.

What is the difference between Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur?

The key difference is the egg on top: a Croque Madame is traditionally topped with a fried or baked egg, while a Croque Monsieur does not include an egg.

Croque Madame Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 122 reviews

This Croque Madame Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich, combining layers of rich turkey ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and a blend of Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses with soft cooked eggs on top. Perfectly baked until golden and topped with fresh parsley, it makes a comforting and flavorful brunch or dinner option.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Casserole Base

• 8 slices brioche bread, cubed
• 6 slices turkey ham (or smoked turkey), chopped
• 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Béchamel Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Egg Topping

• 4–6 eggs (depending on preference)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread and Ham Layer: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish. Scatter the chopped turkey ham over the bread, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
2. Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the bread mixture.
3. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and create small wells in the top of the casserole for the eggs. Crack an egg into each well and season with salt and black pepper. Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
4. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Ensure the eggs are cracked gently to avoid breaking the yolks for the perfect topping.
• Use smoked turkey for a smoky flavor or substitute with ham if preferred.
• Adjust the number of eggs based on personal preference and size of casserole dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Croque Madame, French casserole, brioche casserole, béchamel, turkey ham casserole, brunch recipe, baked eggs