Stale bread? No problem! This gratin sandwich tart recipe transforms a simple loaf into a golden, cheesy, creamy masterpiece—no crust needed. Layers of soaked bread, melted cheese, and savory chicken create a baked delight that’s part quiche, part croque monsieur. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate crustless bread gratin for busy weeknights or brunch. Get the full quick gratin sandwich tart instructions now!
Ingredients
For the Gratin Sandwich Tart:
- 1 loaf bread (about 400-500 g / 14-18 oz, homemade, half-wheat, country, or slightly stale)
- 3 large eggs
- 130 ml (½ cup + 1 tbsp / 4.4 fl oz) whipping cream
- Garlic powder to taste (or 1 small clove fresh garlic, grated)
- Dried parsley to taste (or fresh parsley, chopped)
- Grated cheese to taste (about 150-200 g / 5-7 oz; Cheddar, mozzarella, Emmental, Comté, or similar)
- Approximately 4 slices cooked chicken (about 150 g / 5.3 oz), cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 200°C (390°F). Line a 20 cm (8 inch) diameter baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make custard: In a bowl, whisk whipping cream, eggs, garlic powder (or grated fresh garlic), and dried parsley (or chopped fresh) until smooth.
- Prep bread: Slice bread into medium-thick pieces (about 1.5 cm / ½ inch).
- Soak and layer: Dip each bread slice fully in the custard mixture, ensuring it’s soaked but not falling apart. Arrange a pressed layer in the bottom of the dish.
- Add fillings: Sprinkle grated cheese over the bread. Scatter half the chicken pieces. Repeat: another layer of soaked bread, cheese, and remaining chicken.
- Finish: Pour any remaining custard over the top.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
- Serve: Rest 5 minutes, then slice. Pair with a crisp salad or vegetable soup.
Time, Servings, and Nutrition
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Nutrition per serving (approx.): 450 calories, 25g fat, 35g carbs, 22g protein, 2g fiber
Why This Gratin Sandwich Tart is Good and Healthy
This crustless bread bake repurposes leftovers into a protein-rich meal with eggs and chicken, while cream adds satisfying richness without deep-frying. Customizable cheese keeps it flavorful yet lighter than traditional tarts—quick, versatile comfort food that’s family-friendly and waste-reducing.
Gratin Sandwich Tart
Transform stale bread into a cheesy, creamy masterpiece with this gratin sandwich tart recipe, part quiche, part croque monsieur. Perfect for busy weeknights or brunch.
For the Gratin Sandwich Tart
- 1 loaf 1 loaf bread (about 400-500 g / 14-18 oz, homemade, half-wheat, country, or slightly stale) (Use slightly stale bread.)
- 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
- 130 ml 130 ml (½ cup + 1 tbsp / 4.4 fl oz) whipping cream
- Garlic powder to taste (or 1 small clove fresh garlic, grated) (Adjust based on preference.)
- Dried parsley to taste (or fresh parsley, chopped) (Use fresh if available.)
- 150-200 g Grated cheese to taste (about 150-200 g / 5-7 oz; Cheddar, mozzarella, Emmental, Comté, or similar) (Choose your favorite melting cheese.)
- 150 g Approximately 4 slices cooked chicken (about 150 g / 5.3 oz), cut into small pieces (Use pre-cooked chicken.)
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a 20 cm (8 inch) diameter baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk whipping cream, eggs, garlic powder (or grated fresh garlic), and dried parsley (or chopped fresh) until smooth.
- Slice bread into medium-thick pieces (about 1.5 cm / ½ inch).
- Dip each bread slice fully in the custard mixture, ensuring it’s soaked but not falling apart. Arrange a pressed layer in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the bread and scatter half the chicken pieces. Repeat with another layer of soaked bread, cheese, and remaining chicken.
- Pour any remaining custard over the top.
Baking
- Bake for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve. Pair with a crisp salad or vegetable soup.
This crustless bread bake repurposes leftovers into a protein-rich meal with eggs and chicken, while cream adds satisfying richness. It’s customizable with cheese and offers a family-friendly, waste-reducing meal.
