Name: Croque Madame Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 8 slices brioche bread, cubed; 6 slices turkey ham (or smoked turkey), chopped; 1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 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; 4-6 eggs (depending on preference); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Introduction

The Croque Madame Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic French sandwich, combining layers of brioche bread, turkey ham, and rich cheese topped with creamy béchamel sauce and baked eggs. It’s perfect for a comforting breakfast, brunch, or light dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

The image shows a thick slice of toasted bread at the bottom, with a dark brown, crispy crust and a slightly charred texture. On top of the bread is a layer of melted cheese that is creamy white with some parts dripping down the side. Sitting on the cheese is a sunny-side-up egg with a bright yellow yolk and a slightly crispy, golden brown edge. The egg is sprinkled with small green herb pieces and black pepper. The dish is on a white plate, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 slices brioche bread, cubed
6 slices turkey ham (or smoked turkey), chopped
1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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
4-6 eggs (depending on preference)
½ teaspoon salt (for eggs)
½ teaspoon black pepper (for eggs)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish. Scatter the chopped turkey ham over the bread, then sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 2: To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, then stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and pour it evenly over the bread mixture.
Step 3: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and gently create small wells in 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, until the egg whites set but yolks remain slightly runny.
Step 4: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, then serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked turkey or ham for a deeper flavor, or swap Gruyère with Emmental or Swiss cheese for a different cheese profile.
For a vegetarian version, replace turkey ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
If you prefer firmer egg yolks, bake the casserole a few minutes longer after adding the eggs.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. Keep in mind that the egg yolks may firm up more when reheated.

How to Serve

A thick piece of toasted bread with a golden-brown crust sits at the bottom layer, topped by a generous layer of melted white cheese that drips slightly over the edges. Above the cheese is a perfectly fried egg with a bright orange yolk in the center and firm white edges that have a slight crispy texture. The egg is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a few cracks of black pepper, adding contrast. The dish is placed on a simple white plate against a white marbled surface in soft warm lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole without the eggs and refrigerate it overnight. Add the eggs and bake just before serving for the best texture.

What can I substitute for brioche bread?

If brioche isn’t available, use thick slices of white sandwich bread or challah for a similar rich, soft texture.

Croque Madame Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 570 reviews

A delicious and comforting Croque Madame casserole that combines tender turkey ham, rich Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, and creamy béchamel sauce baked with eggs on top. This casserole offers all the flavors of the classic French sandwich in an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish perfect for brunch or dinner.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

Egg Topping

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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!

Notes

You can substitute turkey ham with traditional ham or Canadian bacon for a different flavor.
Adjust the number of eggs based on how many servings you want or personal egg preference.
For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Make sure not to overbake the eggs if you prefer runny yolks.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Croque Madame, casserole, French recipe, turkey ham, béchamel sauce, brunch recipe, baked eggs, Gruyère cheese, brioche casserole