Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices of halal bread (such as white, whole wheat, or brioche)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mild Swiss cheese, Halal-certified)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups halal ham (sliced or diced)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Halal Bread: The bread serves as the base and vehicle for all the creamy goodness. Choose a soft yet sturdy bread that will hold up well in the casserole while absorbing all the flavors of the custard.
- Gruyère Cheese: Known for its nutty and creamy flavor, Gruyère is the perfect choice for the cheesy, gooey layers of the casserole.
- Halal Ham: A key ingredient for the savory, meaty flavor. You can use halal-certified deli ham or cook and chop your own halal ham slices for an added touch of flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the flavors of the cheese and ham, creating a perfect balance of tastes.
- Eggs and Milk: These ingredients combine to form a creamy custard base, which holds everything together and gives the casserole its soft, rich texture.
Instructions
Prepare the Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Prepare the Bread: If using a loaf of bread, cut it into thick slices (about 1-inch thick). Lightly toast the bread slices in a toaster or under a broiler to ensure they hold up well in the casserole. Lay the slices of bread in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, cutting the bread to fit if necessary.
- Cook the Ham: If you’re using whole slices of halal ham, chop them into bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, sauté the ham in a little butter or olive oil for a couple of minutes until slightly crispy and caramelized. Spread the cooked ham evenly over the bread slices in the casserole dish.
- Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyère cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the ham and bread layers.
Make the Custard:
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together until smooth. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the milk to create a creamy custard base for the casserole.
- Pour the Custard Over the Bread: Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese layers, making sure that all of the bread is soaked with the custard. Press the bread gently down into the custard mixture to help it absorb the liquid evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half of the Gruyère and cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously cheesy, golden crust once baked.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the custard is set. To check for doneness, gently shake the pan; the casserole should not jiggle. You can also insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the casserole—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into neat squares or slices.
Serve the Casserole:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Croque Monsieur Breakfast Casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a dash of dried thyme if desired. This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 23g