Description
Croque Monsieur Casserole is a rich French-inspired bake made with toasted bread, turkey ham, Gruyère, Dijon, and creamy homemade Mornay sauce.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons unbleached all purpose flour
1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
grated nutmeg
black or white pepper to taste
4 slices brioche or sliced white bread
8 thin slices cooked turkey ham
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup Mornay sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Scald the milk in a small saucepan and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a second saucepan and stir in flour.
3. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly add the hot milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in Gruyère, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover and set aside.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F with the rack in the middle position.
6. Toast the bread slices until golden.
7. Place two slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread with Dijon mustard, and top with turkey ham.
8. Spoon Mornay sauce over the ham and add 1/2 cup grated Gruyère to each.
9. Top with the remaining bread slices, then spoon more Mornay sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère.
10. Bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove from oven, switch to broil, top with Parmesan, and broil until browned.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Toast the bread first so it keeps its shape.
Use freshly grated Gruyère for the best melt.
Watch closely while broiling.
Serve immediately for the best texture.