Baked Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur, a Continental cross between French toast and grilled ham-and cheese, feeds a crowd when you bake it casserole style, in the oven. This recipe comes from the " Bakers' Catalogue" - King Arthur Flour.

• Ready In: 1 hr 18 mins
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 10

Ingredients

• 16  slices  white bread
• 3⁄4 lb cheddar cheese, sliced
• 3⁄4 lb ham, sliced
• 1  medium onion, thinly sliced
• 6  large eggs
• 2 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1  teaspoon herbs, of your choice
• 1  teaspoon salt

• TOPPING

• 1 1⁄2 cups panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
• 3  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. Butter a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Remove the crust from the bread, if you wish. Place them into the greased baking dish, cutting slices in half, as necessary, to completely cover the bottom of the pan.
3. Top with half of the cheese, the ham, sliced onion, and the remaining cheese; and the remaining bread.
4. Press the sandwiches together.
5. Beat the eggs, milk and seasoning together. Pour slowly over the bread.
6. Cover and place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
7. About 1 hour before serving, preheat the oven to 400ºF. Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated cheese. Sprinkle over the sandwiches.
8. Bake for 42 to 48 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the eggs set.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to rest 10 minutes before cutting and serving.