Croque Madame French Toast Casserole
- Croque Madame French Toast Casserole: A Savory Brunch Sensation
- Croque Madame French Toast Casserole: A Savory Brunch Sensation
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Croque Madame French Toast Casserole: A Savory Brunch Sensation
- Recipe Notes for the Best Savory French Toast Casserole Ever
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Croque Madame French Toast Casserole: A Savory Brunch Sensation
Fancy a break from boring brekkie? Ever wished French toast could be, like, actually exciting? This Savory French Toast Casserole is your answer. Seriously, it's a brunch game changer.
What's the Deal with Savory Overnight French Toast Bake?
This isn't your average sugary French toast. Think posh sarnie meets bread pudding. Inspired by the classic French Croque Madame, it's got crusty bread, savory custard, smoky ham, and nutty Gruyère.
Honestly, it's like a Sunday roast, but for brunch!
It's not something that you can whip up in a minute. It's a Medium difficulty level, needing 30 minutes of prep, 45- 50 minutes of cook time.
Serves 6-8 people. You need an hour of chilling. Overnight chilling is better.
Benefits of make-ahead French Toast Casserole
One of the best things about this Savory Overnight French Toast Bake ? You can prep it the night before.
Hello, lie-in! Plus, it's packed with protein and cheesy goodness. Think of it as a fancy, comforting hug on a plate.
Perfect for a lazy weekend or when you're trying to impress. make-ahead Savory French Toast .
Ingredients You'll Need
- 6 large eggs
- 360 ml heavy cream
- 240 ml whole milk
- 30 ml Dijon mustard
- 6 g salt
- 1 g black pepper
- 0.5 g grated nutmeg
- 450g day-old crusty bread
- 225g Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 225g cooked ham, diced
- 30 g unsalted butter, melted
Ready to dive in? Next up, we're talking step-by-step instructions. Let's get this Croque Madame Casserole Recipe going!
Croque Madame French Toast Casserole: A Savory Brunch Sensation
Fancy a brunch that's a bit posh? This ain't your nan's French toast! It's inspired by the classic French Croque Madame.
This Savory French Toast Casserole combines crusty bread with a proper savory custard, smoky ham, nutty Gruyère, and a hint of Dijon.
Baked until golden and then get this topped with a fried egg! It's surprisingly easy to make and is the ultimate savory brunch dish.
Honestly, it's like a Sunday roast but for brunch, innit? Let's dive into what you need.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, before we get going, let's round up what we need. I promise, it's mostly stuff you've got already. No need to pop to Fortnum & Mason, unless you really want to!
Main Ingredients
For the Custard:
- 6 large eggs ( 300g )
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream ( 360 ml ) - full fat is where it's at!
- 1 cup whole milk ( 240 ml )
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ( 30 ml ) adds a cheeky kick.
- 1 teaspoon salt ( 6 g )
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ( 1 g )
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg ( 0.5 g )
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound / 450g ) day-old crusty bread sourdough or baguette are ace, cut into 1 inch cubes.
- 8 ounces ( 225g ) Gruyère cheese, shredded this is the key! Make sure it's proper Gruyère, none of that plastic stuff.
- 8 ounces ( 225g ) cooked ham, diced smoked ham gives it a brilliant flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted ( 30 g )
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish. Bit of green never hurts!
For Serving (optional):
- 6-8 large eggs
- Olive oil or butter for frying eggs
Seasoning Notes
Dijon mustard is crucial. It gives the custard a subtle tang. Nutmeg adds warmth, just a whisper. Don't skip it! If you haven't got Dijon, a bit of English mustard will do in a pinch but it will be spicier.
Equipment Needed
You won't need fancy gadgets for this Baked Savory French Toast Recipe . Just the basics:
- A 9x13 inch baking dish gotta have something to bake it in!
- A large mixing bowl for the custard.
- A whisk to get that custard nice and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons so you don't end up with a right mess.
- Chef's knife and cutting board to chop the bread, ham, and cheese.
- A skillet (for frying eggs, optional) - unless you are a bit of a purist.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. Just give it some elbow grease! For those without a baking dish, a large oven safe frying pan can work too.
Make sure it can handle the heat, yeah?
Let's get cooking this amazing Savory Overnight French Toast Bake !
Croque Madame French Toast Casserole: A Savory Brunch Sensation
Fancy a lazy Sunday? This Croque Madame French Toast Casserole is your answer! It's not your average sugary stuff. Think posh sandwich meets bread pudding.
Honestly, it's a proper flavour explosion. It's easier than you think and sure to impress.
Prep Like a Pro
Before we start, let's get organised. It's called mise en place, basically having everything ready. Dice that ham, shred the Gruyère , and cube your bread.
Day-old bread is key here, or it'll go soggy. Oh my gosh, nobody wants a soggy bottom!
Got all that? Right, let's crack on.
Savory French Toast Casserole: step-by-step
- Custard Time: Whisk 6 eggs, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Mix until combined.
- Layer Up: Grease a 9x13 inch dish. Bread, then half the cheese and ham. Repeat.
- Soak it Up: Pour that custard over everything. Press gently to soak the bread.
- Chill Out: Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight. This is important, don't skip it.
- Bake Time: Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Remove the wrap and drizzle with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Bake Again: Bake for 45- 50 minutes. Knife in the center should come out clean.
- Egg-cellent Addition: Fry some eggs sunny side up while it bakes (optional).
- Serve it Up: Let it cool for a bit, slice, and top with an egg. Garnish with parsley or chives.
Pro Tips for a Stellar Savory French Toast
- Use day-old bread! Seriously. Fresh bread will turn to mush.
- Don't skip the chill time. It's the key to creamy goodness. An Overnight Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole? Yes, please.
- Overbake? Avoid it! We don't want a dry casserole. Cook until just set.
Honestly, this make-ahead French Toast Casserole is ideal for easy savory brunch ideas. Plus, you can totally make it the night before! A Baked Savory French Toast Recipe is just what you need for a tasty weekend.
And if you're feeling fancy, this can easily become a Croque Madame Casserole Recipe . Just top it with a rich béchamel sauce.
Recipe Notes for the Best Savory French Toast Casserole Ever
Right, let's talk about making this Savory French Toast Casserole a total winner. This isn't just throwing ingredients together, it's about nailing the flavour and texture.
Think of these notes as your inside scoop. Honestly, following these tips will take your Savory Overnight French Toast Bake to the next level.
It's a proper crowd pleaser, trust me.
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow
Plating is key. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. A simple green salad cuts through the richness. A Croque Madame Casserole Recipe deserves to be shown off.
A fresh fruit salad adds a touch of sweetness, you know? For drinks, think Mimosas or Bloody Marys. Because, let's face it, it's brunch.
A light salad makes it feel a bit healthier too. I mean, balance, innit?
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing is also an option. Cut into portions first. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Don't microwave it unless you want a soggy mess. Nobody wants a soggy Baked Savory French Toast Recipe .
Variations: Mix It Up
Want a veggie version? No problem. Use sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Roasted veggies work too. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free Brunch Casserole with Ham and Cheese . You can also use lactose free milk to make a dairy-free Savory French Toast
Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's keep it real. This is not health food. But hey, it's got eggs, cheese, and a bit of protein.
It's all about balance, yeah? Enjoy it as a treat. Calories are around 450-550 per serving. But who's counting? Just enjoy your Easy Savory Brunch Ideas .
This Breakfast Casserole with Gruyere is worth it.
Honestly, making this Savory French Toast Casserole is easier than you think. Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun.
You got this! It's a proper treat and you deserve it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Savory French Toast Casserole ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! In fact, this recipe is better when made ahead. The chilling time is crucial as it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it off in the morning for a stress free brunch. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
What kind of bread works best for a Savory French Toast Casserole, and can I use what I already have?
Day-old crusty bread like sourdough or a French baguette is ideal. The slightly stale texture helps it soak up the custard without becoming mushy. You want something sturdy that can hold its shape, innit?
While you could experiment with other breads, avoid anything too soft like sandwich bread, as it'll likely fall apart.
I'm not a fan of Gruyère. What's a good substitute for the cheese in this savory french toast recipe?
No worries, mate! Gruyère has a lovely nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese, Comté, or Emmental are all excellent substitutes. They'll provide a similar melting quality and slightly milder flavor that still complements the ham and custard beautifully. Don't be afraid to get creative!
How should I store leftover Savory French Toast Casserole? Can I freeze it?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly.
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Savory French Toast Casserole? I'm trying to cut down on meat!
Definitely! Simply omit the ham and replace it with your favorite sautéed vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or even caramelized onions would all be delicious additions. You could also add some crumbled vegetarian sausage for a bit of extra protein and flavor. Sorted!
My Savory French Toast Casserole seems soggy. What did I do wrong, and how can I avoid it next time?
Sogginess is usually caused by using bread that's too fresh or not chilling the casserole long enough. Ensure you use day-old bread and allow it to soak in the custard for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. Pressing the bread down gently into the custard helps it absorb evenly.
Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate to ensure proper baking and custard setting.
Croque Madame French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
