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.

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.

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

Linda Nortje

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 !

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Course Breakfast, Light Dinner

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup Milk
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 t Fresh Garlic crushed
• 2 TB Butter
• 2 TB Flour
• ¼ cup Brandy
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

FRENCH TOAST:

• 4 Eggs
• ½ cup Milk
• ¼ t Salt
• Butter for frying
• 12 slices French Loaf

TOPPINGS:

• 12 slices Gypsy Ham (or your favorite shaved** Ham)
• ½ cup Guyere Cheese grated
• Fresh Parsley to garmish

Instructions

 

• 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)
• 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
• Pour in the Brandy, flambe, stir and season to taste with Salt and Black Pepper – cover and set aside

FRENCH TOAST:

• Beat together the Eggs, Milk and Salt in a medium bowl
• 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)
• Set the oven on grill and line 2 baking sheets with baking paper
• Transfer the French Toast to the two sheets leaving plenty of space between slices

TOPPINGS:

• 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

Nutrition value, where given, is not always accurate. Please also check your ingredient labels.

Sprinkle generously with Parsley and serve immediately.

LINDA