A Perfectly Cheesy, Make-Ahead Brunch Delight!
A Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe is the perfect brunch dish that combines flaky croissants, savory prosciutto, creamy béchamel sauce, and melty Gruyère cheese into an indulgent breakfast bake. If you love the classic Croque Monsieur sandwich, this French-inspired breakfast casserole is a must-try!
This Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead breakfast, perfect for holiday brunches, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. You can assemble it the night before and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast.
Looking for more breakfast casserole ideas? Check out this Breakfast Casserole Recipe with Cream Cheese for a creamy twist. If you love experimenting with breakfast flavors, you might also enjoy these English Muffin Breakfast Casserole Ideas for another delicious variation.
And if you’re curious about the history of the Croque Monsieur, this guide on the classic French sandwich is a fascinating read!
A Bite of Nostalgia: Grandma’s Croque Monsieur Casserole
I still remember the first time I made Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole with my grandmother. The kitchen smelled like butter and toasted croissants, and she hummed softly as she whisked the béchamel sauce. I was barely tall enough to see over the counter, but she let me sprinkle the shredded Gruyère, laughing when I got more on the table than in the dish.
“Good food is about love, Isabella,” she always said. “And a little mess never hurt anyone.”
For years, this casserole was our tradition, a dish we made for birthdays, holidays, or just cozy Sunday mornings. The first bite was always heavenly—crispy, golden croissants soaking up the rich, cheesy custard, the saltiness of the prosciutto balancing it all perfectly.
Now, every time I make it, I can almost hear her voice. That’s why I decided to share this dish—not just for the taste, but for the love and warmth it brings. Food has a way of keeping memories alive, and with every bite, I remember her—her laughter, her kindness, and the simple joy of cooking together.
So, here’s to good food, warm memories, and a little bit of a mess in the kitchen. 😊
Why You’ll Love This Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe
✔ It’s cheesy, buttery, and full of flavor – Flaky croissants, melty cheese, and a golden, crispy top.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Assemble it at night, bake it in the morning.
✔ Great for serving a crowd – Ideal for brunch parties, meal prep, or holiday breakfasts.
✔ Customizable – Swap cheese, meat, or bread for different flavors.
✔ A gourmet breakfast made simple – Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Ingredients for Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Croissants (day-old) | 7 large | Flaky, buttery base |
Prosciutto | 6 oz | Adds salty, savory flavor |
Gruyère Cheese | 1 cup | Classic melty cheese |
Eggs | 6 large | Creates the custard |
Milk | 1 cup | Adds creaminess |
White Wine | ¼ cup | Enhances depth of flavor |
Dijon Mustard | 1 tsp | Brings signature tang |
Salt & Pepper | To taste | Enhances flavor |
Butter | 3 tbsp | For béchamel and greasing |
Flour | 2 tbsp | Thickens the béchamel |
Heirloom Tomatoes | ½ cup | Optional garnish |
Fresh Basil | For garnish | Adds a fresh touch |
💡 Pro Tip: Day-old croissants work best because they soak up the custard without becoming too soggy!
How to Make Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
The secret to a truly indulgent Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a creamy béchamel sauce.
If you’ve never made béchamel before, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think! You can check out this simple béchamel sauce recipe to perfect the technique.
- Melt the butter – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Whisk in the flour – Add 2 tbsp flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly add milk – Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups milk, whisking constantly.
- Season the sauce – Turn off heat, then whisk in Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside – The sauce should be thick but pourable.
Step 2: Assemble the Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the croissants in half and lay the bottom halves into the dish.
- Layer the béchamel sauce, prosciutto, and shredded Gruyère cheese over the croissants.
- Top with the remaining croissants and gently press them down.
- Whisk together the custard – Combine eggs, milk, white wine, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the custard over the croissants, pressing them down so they absorb the liquid.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a crispy golden crust.
- Let it rest for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
Step 3: Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe is creamy, crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether for a holiday brunch, family breakfast, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
If you’re looking for more breakfast inspiration, check out this collection of easy breakfast griddle recipes for even more delicious ideas.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole Recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out!
“Brunch isn’t just a meal—it’s a lifestyle. And this casserole is your VIP ticket.”