CROQUE MONSIEUR STRATA

Croque Monsieur Strata image

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Time 5h10m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 cups cubes (1 inch) French bread
2 cups cubed cooked ham
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (8 oz)
1/3 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon ground mustard
8 eggs
Chopped fresh chives, if desired

Steps:

Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place bread cubes in baking dish. Sprinkle with ham and 1 cup of the cheese.
In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic in butter 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, salt, black pepper and red pepper. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat; stir in thyme and mustard.
In medium bowl, beat eggs well. Stir small amount of hot mixture into eggs, then stir egg mixture back into hot mixture. Cook over low heat about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour over ham and cheese in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover with foil; refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
Heat oven to 350°F. Uncover baking dish. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares. Garnish with chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271, Carbohydrate 16 g, Fat 1, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 659 mg