Easy Croque Monsieur Casserole
When you think of French café fare, the Croque Monsieur sandwich probably comes to mind: buttery bread layered, cheese, and a silky béchamel sauce, toasted until golden. It’s indulgent, elegant, and completely satisfying. But what if you could take those same luxurious flavors and transform them into a hearty dish that feeds a crowd with very little effort?
That’s where the Croque Monsieur Casserole comes in. Instead of making individual sandwiches, this recipe layers bread, cheese, and creamy sauce into a baked casserole that’s part comfort food, part French bistro. The result? A bubbly, golden dish that’s just as perfect for brunch as it is for dinner.
If you’ve ever wanted to bring a taste of Paris to your kitchen without standing over the stove, this casserole is your new go-to.
Table of Contents
Why This Croque Monsieur Casserole Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
There are plenty of casserole recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons:
- Effortless elegance – It tastes fancy, but the method is simple.
- Great for gatherings – No need to assemble sandwiches one by one; bake a whole pan and let everyone dig in.
- Versatile – Swap cheeses, breads, or proteins to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake the next day.
In other words, it’s one of those rare recipes that’s both impressive and easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish combines everyday staples with a few classic French touches. Here’s the full list:
For the Base
- 1 large loaf of day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (Swiss or Emmental are fine substitutes)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, adds extra sharpness)
For the Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper (or black if that’s what you have)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping
- ½ cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Croque Monsieur Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cut your bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. Using day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
Step 2: Add Cheese
sprinkle with Gruyère and cheddar cheese. The mix of cheeses adds richness and that signature melty pull.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese. Use a spatula to gently press everything down so the bread absorbs the liquid.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. If you have time, let it sit overnight—this makes the flavors meld and gives the casserole a fluffier texture once baked.
Step 5: Make the Béchamel
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then let it simmer until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge and spread the béchamel sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan for a cheesy crust. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
Cooking Tips for Success
- Choose sturdy bread: Brioche adds a slight sweetness, while baguette gives a rustic texture. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which gets too soggy.
- Gruyère is classic: Its nutty flavor is key, but you can mix in mozzarella or cheddar for variety.
- Don’t skip the mustard: Dijon gives the dish its signature tang and balances the richness.
- Broil for crispiness: If you love an extra-crunchy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Delicious Variations of Croque Monsieur Casserole
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. The classic version is incredible on its own, but with just a few tweaks, you can customize the Croque Monsieur Casserole to fit different tastes, dietary needs, or even the ingredients you already have at home. Here are some creative spins to try:
Croque Madame Casserole
If you love the original French Croque Madame sandwich, this variation is a must. Simply top each serving with a fried or poached egg before bringing it to the table. The warm, runny yolk blends with the cheese and béchamel, making every bite even more luxurious.
Vegetarian Croque Monsieur Casserole
Want to skip the ham? No problem. Replace it with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even caramelized onions. The roasted veggies add flavor and depth, and the creamy sauce ties it all together beautifully.
Turkey Twist
If you’ve got leftover turkey from the holidays (or just prefer it over ham), swap it in. The turkey adds a lighter flavor while still keeping the casserole hearty and satisfying. This is also a fantastic way to reinvent Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers.
Smoky Flavor Upgrade
You can also add smoked Gouda or a touch of smoked paprika to the cheese blend for an extra punch of flavor that complements the creaminess.
Gluten-Free Croque Monsieur Casserole
Don’t let gluten stand in your way—this dish adapts easily. Use a sturdy gluten-free bread and replace the flour in the béchamel with a gluten-free alternative (like rice flour or a 1:1 baking blend). You’ll get all the same creamy, cheesy goodness without compromise.
Extra-Cheesy Version
If you’re a true cheese lover, go all in with a mix of Gruyère, Swiss, and cheddar. The combination creates a gooey, stretchy, ultra-cheesy casserole that will make everyone at the table happy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour active, longer if chilled overnight
- Servings: 8 generous squares
Ingredient Swaps and Shortcuts
Sometimes you need to work with what’s in the pantry. Here’s how you can adjust:
- Bread: Croissants or ciabatta work beautifully.
- Cheese: Try Swiss, Emmental, or even provolone.
- Milk & Cream: Half-and-half works if you don’t want to buy both.
- Ham: Use prosciutto for a salty twist or bacon for smoky depth.
Storing and Reheating
The great thing about casseroles is how well they keep.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. This keeps the texture intact better than microwaving.
What to Serve with Croque Monsieur Casserole
Since this dish is rich, it pairs best with lighter sides:
- A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A fruit salad for brunch
- Sparkling water with lemon
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional Croque Monsieur sandwiches are indulgent, but they take time to assemble individually. By turning it into a casserole, you get the same decadent flavors in a format that’s easy to prepare and serve. The egg-and-milk custard keeps the bread tender, the béchamel adds creaminess, and the cheese gives it that irresistible crust.
It’s cozy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining—a rare combination in the cooking world.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, the Croque Monsieur Casserole is exactly what you need. It takes the timeless French sandwich and turns it into a hearty bake that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. The combination of fluffy bread, smoky ham, rich béchamel sauce, and golden, bubbling cheese makes every bite feel special.
What sets this recipe apart from other casseroles is its balance. The Croque Monsieur Casserole is rich without being overwhelming, sophisticated yet easy to prepare, and versatile enough to work for brunch, lunch, or dinner. You can prep it the night before a holiday breakfast, serve it as the centerpiece of a weekend brunch, or even enjoy it as a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something indulgent.
The best part? Once you try this dish, it almost always earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Whether you keep it traditional with Gruyère or experiment with your own twists, the Croque Monsieur Casserole delivers flavor, comfort, and a touch of French flair every single time.
So the next time you want to impress your guests—or simply treat yourself to something delicious—skip the sandwiches and bake this classic casserole instead. You’ll quickly see why it’s a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
