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Croque-Monsieur French Toast

Croque-Monsieur French Toast is the perfect addition for a Valentines Day brunch ~ layers of Ham, Cheese and Bechamel Sauce on a slice of French Toast – heavenly !

Croque-Monsieur French Toast is the perfect addition for a Valentines Day brunch ~ layers of Ham, Cheese and Bechamel Sauce on a slice of French Toast - heavenly !

I have been making Croque-Monsieur French Toast for some time now as it is quick, easy and delicious. Not only for breakfast or brunch, but also a light dinner when it is just the hubby and myself home.

My son also does not mind having these scrumptious French Toasts for dinner, especially when he’s already had a hearty lunch at work, which happens quite often.

Croque-Monsieur French Toast is the perfect addition for a Valentines Day brunch ~ layers of Ham, Cheese and Bechamel Sauce on a slice of French Toast - heavenly !

The other evening we had some for dinner. Accompanied with a crunchy salad, and my husband mentioned (or should I say hinted!) that these would make a delicious addition to a Valentines Day brunch.

Definitely think that was more of a hint than anything else and I know he does love these Croque-Monsieurs.

Well, I shall not complain, brunch for Valentines Day is halfway sorted out. And I already have a delicious idea for dinner that evening. It also helps that Valentines Day falls on a Sunday this year, therefore brunch is perfect.

Croque-Monsieur French Toast is the perfect addition for a Valentines Day brunch ~ layers of Ham, Cheese and Bechamel Sauce on a slice of French Toast - heavenly !

The recipe below is for 4 – 6 servings, which is 2 – 3 Croque-Monsieur French Toasts per person. These are already very filling and we are usually happy with 3 Toasts and a small side salad per person, as a light dinner.

Served as part of brunch for only 2, I half the recipe and serve fresh fruit, yogurts and some nuts/seeds as well. Juice is a must, of course, but you might like a glass of Champagne on a special day!

**Shaved Ham is very thinly sliced (paper thin really!)

Croque-Monsieur French Toast
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 
Croque-Monsieur French Toast is the perfect addition for a Valentines Day brunch ~ layers of Ham, Cheese and Bechamel Sauce on a slice of French Toast - heavenly !
Course: Breakfast, Light Dinner
Author: Linda Nortje
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 2 t Fresh Garlic crushed
  • 2 TB Butter
  • 2 TB Flour
  • 1/4 cup Brandy
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
FRENCH TOAST:
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1/4 t Salt
  • Butter for frying
  • 12 slices French Loaf
TOPPINGS:
  • 12 slices Gypsy Ham (or your favorite shaved** Ham)
  • 1/2 cup Guyere Cheese grated
  • Fresh Parsley to garmish
Instructions
  1. Bechamel Sauce – In a small microwavable bowl, heat the Milk, Bay Leaves and Garlic until just warm – remove from microwave oven (can use stove top too) and set aside. (Strain just before use in step 2)
  2. Meanwhile melt the Butter in a small saucepan over medium heat – stir in the Flour and cook 1 – 2 minutes, stirring continuously – remove from heat and add the strained Milk little by little, stirring well in between each addition until smooth – heat again over low heat until thickened
  3. Pour in the Brandy, flambe, stir and season to taste with Salt and Black Pepper – cover and set aside
FRENCH TOAST:
  1. Beat together the Eggs, Milk and Salt in a medium bowl
  2. Melt a tablespoon or two of Butter in a skillet over medium heat – dip the slices of French Loaf in the Egg mixture and cook both sides until done – add more Butter as you go along until all the slices are toasted (fried)
  3. Set the oven on grill and line 2 baking sheets with baking paper
  4. Transfer the French Toast to the two sheets leaving plenty of space between slices
TOPPINGS:
  1. Top each French Toast with a slice of Gypsy Ham – sprinkle over some Gruyere Cheese and place under the grill until the Cheese has melted – remove from the oven and pour the Bechamel Sauce over each French Toast – return to the oven for another minute or two

Sprinkle generously with Parsley and serve immediately.

LINDA

Recipe Rating




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Jenn

Wednesday 20th of January 2016

Linda, this looks fantastic! I don`t think I`ll wait until Valentines Day to try it!

Mary K.- The Boondocks Blog

Wednesday 20th of January 2016

This looks so yummy. I'm pinning for later!!

Evelyn Osborn

Wednesday 20th of January 2016

This looks just delish!! I think Jamie's right, I should make it for an intimate Valentines day brunch!

Jamie Sherman

Tuesday 19th of January 2016

I agree - I think this would be perfect for Valentine's Day brunch! :)

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