Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake Recipes

This savory Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake is made with multigrain brown bread, tangy Dijon mustard, salty ham, nutty Gruyere cheese, and fresh eggs. This recipe creates a rich and comforting breakfast casserole that captures all the delicious flavors of the classic French toasted sandwich. It is the perfect make-ahead meal for a relaxed weekend brunch serving 4 to 6 people.

Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake Ingredients

For the Sandwiches:

• 6 slices ready-sliced multigrain brown bread
• 75g (approx. 1/3 cup) Dijon mustard
• 6 slices Gruyere cheese
• 3 slices ham
• 6 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Maldon salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
• 80ml (1/3 cup) full fat milk

For the Topping:

• 4 tablespoons grated Gruyere cheese (or Emmental or Cheddar)
• A good sprinkling of Worcestershire sauce

How To Make Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake

1. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread each slice of bread generously with Dijon mustard. Build the sandwiches by placing a slice of Gruyere cheese against the mustard side of the bread, with a slice of ham in the middle. You will have 3 full sandwiches.
2. Cut and arrange: Cut each sandwich in half diagonally to create two triangles. Squish the sandwich triangles tightly into an ovenproof dish (approximately 10½ x 8¼ inches). They should be packed closely together.
3. Prepare the custard: In a bowl, beat together the eggs, salt, and milk.
4. Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sandwiches in the dish. Cover the dish with clingfilm (plastic wrap) and place it in the refrigerator to soak overnight.
5. Bake the dish: The next morning, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or 350°F (180°C) for fan ovens. Remove the clingfilm from the dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese and Worcestershire sauce over the top. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and puffed up.

Recipe Tips

• Use the Mustard Jar: When measuring the milk, try pouring it into the nearly empty mustard jar and shaking it up. This helps get every bit of flavor out of the jar and incorporates it into the egg mixture.
• Allow Time to Soak: The overnight soaking step is crucial. It allows the bread to fully absorb the savory egg custard, resulting in a soft, pudding-like interior with a crispy top.
• Cheese Variations: While Gruyere is traditional for a Croque Monsieur because of its nutty flavor and melting quality, you can easily substitute it with Cheddar, Emmental, or Comté.
• Bread Choice: Multigrain bread adds a nice texture and nutty flavor, but white sourdough or country loaf slices also work beautifully if you prefer a classic taste.

What To Serve Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake

Because this bake is rich with cheese, eggs, and bread, it pairs best with lighter sides to cut through the richness. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette. A side of fresh fruit salad with berries and melon adds a refreshing sweetness. For a hot drink, strong black coffee or hot tea complements the savory mustard flavors perfectly. If serving for brunch, roasted cherry tomatoes are also a colorful and tasty addition.

How To Store Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Allow the bake to cool completely, then cover it tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before eating.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked leftovers. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 215mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I bake this immediately without soaking overnight? Yes, you can. However, for the best texture, let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before baking. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture so the center isn’t dry.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely. Simply omit the ham slices. You can replace the ham with sliced tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
• What size baking dish should I use? Nigella recommends a dish approximately 27 x 21cm (10½ x 8¼ inches). If your dish is slightly larger, the sandwiches might spread out more; if it is smaller, you may need to overlap them. The goal is a snug fit.

Try More Nigella  Lawson Recipes:

• Nigella​ Baked Peaches Recipe
• Nigella Baked Egg Custard
• Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Tray Bake

Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake

Author: Clara Bennett Cooking Method:Baking Cuisine:French Courses:Breakfast

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time:8 hours Total time:8 hours 35 minutesCooking Temp:200 CServings:6 servingsEstimated Cost:10 $Calories:320 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

The Nigella Croque Monsieur Bake is a savory bread pudding made with multigrain sandwiches filled with ham, Gruyere, and Dijon mustard. Soaked overnight in a savory custard and baked until golden, it is the ultimate make-ahead brunch dish

Ingredients

• 6 slices ready-sliced multigrain brown bread
  
• 75g Dijon mustard
  
• 6 slices Gruyere cheese
  
• 3 slices ham
  
• 6 large eggs
  
• 1 tsp Maldon salt
  
• 80ml full fat milk
  
• 4 tbsp grated Gruyere cheese
  
• Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Assemble: Make sandwiches with mustard, cheese, and ham. Cut into triangles.
   
2. Arrange: Pack the triangles tightly into a baking dish.
   
3. Soak: Whisk eggs, salt, and milk. Pour over sandwiches and refrigerate overnight.
   
4. Bake: Top with grated cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.