Gourmet Ham and Cheese Croque-Cake

The Croque-Cake takes all of these beloved elements but arranges them in a layered, baked “cake” form, making it a fantastic dish for a crowd or a luxurious family meal.

Ingredients for Gourmet Ham and Cheese Croque-Cake:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Gourmet Ham and Cheese Croque-Cake:

1 loaf of thick-cut bread (preferably a French baguette, sourdough, or any hearty bread that can hold up to the layers)
1 lb of thinly sliced ham (use high-quality, deli-style ham for the best flavor)
2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, or a combination of both for the classic flavor, plus a little mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
2 cups béchamel sauce (see instructions below to make from scratch)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, but it adds a tangy depth to the flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish
For the béchamel sauce:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
Pinch of salt and pepper
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth to the sauce)
Instructions:

1. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
   The first step in making your Croque-Cake is to create the creamy béchamel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux (a thickened paste).

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Once the sauce is smooth and thick, remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Bread:
   Slice your bread into thick pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Lay the slices out on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the inside remains soft. This step adds a little texture and helps the bread hold its shape as it absorbs the béchamel sauce during baking.
3. Assemble the Croque-Cake:
   Lightly grease a large, deep baking dish (around 9×9 inches) or a square cake pan to prepare for the layering.

Start by spreading a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Place a layer of toasted bread slices over the sauce, ensuring they fit snugly together.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional) on top of the bread for extra flavor.
Add a layer of ham slices, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese (Gruyère and mozzarella work wonderfully here).
Repeat these layers, creating a sandwich-like structure. Continue layering bread, béchamel, ham, and cheese until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of béchamel sauce and cheese on top.

4. Bake the Croque-Cake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once your Croque-Cake is assembled, bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. You can also switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get an extra crispy, golden top.

5. Serve and Garnish:
   Once your Croque-Cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to firm up. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness.
6. Enjoy:
   Slice into your luxurious Croque-Cake, and watch as it reveals its layers of gooey cheese, savory ham, and creamy béchamel. Serve it hot with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love Gourmet Ham and Cheese Croque-Cake:

1. The Ultimate Comfort Food:
   There’s nothing quite like the combination of melty cheese, rich béchamel sauce, and tender ham. The Croque-Cake takes these comfort food elements and transforms them into something decadent and sophisticated. It’s the ultimate indulgence!
2. Impressive Yet Easy to Make:
   While the Croque-Cake looks like a complicated dish, it’s actually quite simple to make. The layers are easy to assemble, and with a little prep, you can have this gourmet meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you want to impress guests but don’t have the time to make something complicated.
3. Perfect for Brunch or Dinner:
   Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a casual dinner party, or just want to make a family meal feel special, the Croque-Cake is an ideal choice. It’s hearty enough for dinner but also elegant enough to serve at a brunch gathering.
4. Customizable to Your Taste:
   This recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to swap the ham for turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also use different types of cheese depending on your preferences.
5. Great for Leftovers:

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, but if you do!), the Croque-Cake reheats beautifully and makes for a fantastic lunch the next day. The flavors meld together even more, making it just as delicious as when it was first served.

Final Thoughts:
The Gourmet Ham and Cheese Croque-Cake is a stunning twist on the classic Croque Monsieur sandwich. With its layers of rich cheese, savory ham, and creamy béchamel, this dish is an elevated comfort food that is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something decadent, this Croque-Cake will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Serve it at your next gathering and watch your guests’ eyes light up as they dig into this indulgent, cheesy delight. It’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive, combining classic French flavors with an innovative, fun presentation.