Croque Madame – Cozy Dishes

If you love a classic Croque Madame, you’re going to adore this Croque Madame Casserole! This baked version of the famous French sandwich transforms buttery brioche, melty Gruyère cheese, smoky turkey ham, and a velvety béchamel sauce into a creamy, golden, and utterly satisfying dish. Topped with perfectly baked eggs, this casserole is the ultimate brunch or breakfast-for-dinner option.

A traditional Croque Madame is essentially a Croque Monsieur (a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with béchamel) topped with a fried egg. This casserole takes all those rich flavors and bakes them into a layered, crowd-friendly dish, perfect for serving a table full of hungry guests. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering, a holiday breakfast, or just craving a decadent twist on toast, this Croque Madame Casserole will impress!

Why You’ll Love This Croque Madame Casserole

All the classic flavors of a Croque Madame in an easy-to-make casserole
Perfect for meal prep – Make it ahead and bake fresh when needed
A rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s ultra-satisfying
Ideal for serving a crowd – No need to make individual sandwiches
Customizable – Swap turkey ham for smoked turkey, add spinach, or use different cheeses

Preparation Time and Yield

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

Ingredients for Croque Madame Casserole

For the 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

For the 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

For the Egg Topping:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Croque Madame Casserole

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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!

Ingredient Background

Brioche – The Perfect Bread for a Rich Casserole

Brioche is a buttery, slightly sweet French bread that works perfectly in this casserole. Its soft texture absorbs the creamy béchamel sauce, while its rich flavor enhances the buttery and cheesy elements of the dish. If brioche isn’t available, you can use challah, French bread, or even a thick-cut white bread as a substitute.

Gruyère Cheese – The Star of French Cuisine

Gruyère is a nutty, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful cheese that melts beautifully. It’s the classic choice for Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame sandwiches because of its smooth, creamy melt. If you need a substitute, Emmental, Swiss cheese, or even sharp white cheddar work well.

Béchamel Sauce – The Classic French White Sauce

Béchamel is one of the five “mother sauces” of French cuisine, made from a simple butter, flour, and milk mixture. It creates a creamy, velvety base for the casserole, binding all the ingredients together. The addition of Dijon mustard and nutmeg gives it depth, making it even more flavorful.

Technique Tips for the Perfect Croque Madame Casserole

1. Choosing the Right Bread Texture

For the best results, use slightly stale brioche. Fresh bread can become too soggy in the casserole, but day-old bread absorbs the béchamel without becoming mushy. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly before assembling.

2. Thickening the Béchamel Properly

To achieve a smooth, creamy sauce:

Whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps.
Cook the sauce for at least 2-3 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
Don’t let it boil! Keeping it at a gentle simmer ensures a velvety texture.

3. Perfectly Baked Eggs

The runny yolk of the egg is what makes this dish a true Croque Madame. To ensure the yolks stay slightly soft while the whites set:

Check the casserole after 8 minutes of baking with the eggs on top.
If you prefer a fully set yolk, bake for 12-14 minutes instead of 10.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Individual Mini Casseroles

Instead of making one large dish, divide the mixture into ramekins for individual portions. This is perfect for brunch parties or elegant plated meals.

2. Croque Madame Bread Pudding Style

For a more custard-like texture, whisk 4 eggs and ½ cup heavy cream into the béchamel before pouring it over the bread. This creates a softer, almost soufflé-like casserole.

3. Croque Madame Open-Faced Toast

If you don’t want to make a full casserole, toast slices of brioche, top them with ham and cheese, pour over the béchamel, and broil until golden. Then, add the eggs on top. This is a quicker version that still delivers all the flavors.

Freezing and Storing Croque Madame Casserole

Storing in the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep the texture intact. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking the eggs.

Freezing for Later

This casserole freezes well before baking:

Assemble the casserole, but do not add the eggs.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, bake as directed, and add the eggs near the end of baking.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Looking for a lighter version of this Croque Madame Casserole? Here are some easy swaps:

1. Use Whole Wheat or Sourdough Bread

Instead of brioche, opt for whole wheat, sourdough, or a high-fiber bread to add more nutrients while keeping a great texture.

2. Lighten Up the Béchamel

Instead of whole milk, use a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess with fewer calories.

3. Swap Out the Cheese for a Lower-Fat Option

Instead of Gruyère, use reduced-fat Swiss cheese or a smaller amount of Parmesan for flavor without excess fat.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Brunch with a French Café Theme

Serve this casserole alongside:

Fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus
Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Mimosas or freshly brewed coffee

2. Holiday Breakfast Spread

Pair with:

Turkey or chicken sausages for extra protein
Roasted potatoes or hash browns for a hearty meal
Warm croissants with jam to complete the French experience

3. Light Dinner with a Side Salad

If serving for dinner, pair with:

A simple green salad with Dijon dressing
Grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts for balance
Chilled iced tea or sparkling water for a refreshing drink

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, then bake fresh in the morning. Add the eggs during the last 10 minutes of baking.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Swiss, white cheddar, mozzarella, or even a bit of Parmesan all work well.

3. What’s the best way to ensure the casserole isn’t soggy?

Use slightly stale bread so it soaks up the sauce without getting too soft.
Don’t overdo the béchamel – just enough to coat the bread is perfect.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the turkey ham or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.

5. What can I use instead of brioche?

Try challah, French bread, or sourdough for a slightly different but still delicious texture.

6. Can I use deli turkey instead of turkey ham?

Yes! Thinly sliced smoked turkey breast works just as well.

7. What’s the best way to get a crispy golden top?

Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.

8. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. If using a microwave, add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist.

9. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free bread and swap out the all-purpose flour in the béchamel for gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

10. Can I skip the eggs on top?

Yes! If you prefer a Croque Monsieur Casserole, simply bake it without the eggs.

Conclusion

This Croque Madame Casserole is a decadent, creamy, and satisfying twist on the classic French sandwich. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a special family meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, comforting flavors. Try this recipe today and bring a touch of French bistro magic to your table!