Croque Monsieur Bake

Gruyère cheese

🥗Healthier: Emmental cheese

💰Cheaper: Cheddar cheese

Emmental is lower in fat, while Cheddar is more widely available.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often cheaper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lay out 12 slices of white sandwich bread on a baking sheet, allowing for overlap.

Toast the bread in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Lightly oil a 9x13 glass baking dish with vegetable oil.

In a measuring cup, crack 8 large eggs and whisk in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 cups of 2% milk or half and half cream, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Layer 6 pieces of toasted bread in the prepared baking dish, pressing down if necessary.

Pour a third of the egg mixture evenly over the bread layer.

Layer with 8 slices of thinly sliced ham, cutting them into thirds if needed.

Add 1 cup of cheese on top of the ham layer, using Swiss cheese slices or grated cheese.

Add another layer of 6 slices of bread, pressing firmly down.

Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top.

Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top of the final bread layer.

Cover the dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

After 8 hours, preheat the oven to 350°F again.

Bake uncovered in the lower third of the oven for about 45 minutes or until golden on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens