BEST Croque Monsieur Recipe

Introduction :

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or sourdough)
• 8 slices of cooked ham
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Place two slices of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each slice with 2 slices of ham and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
6. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the cheese, then place the remaining slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
7. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with additional grated Gruyère cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sandwiches are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Croque Monsieur!

Expert Tips for Serving and Storage:

• Serve the Croque Monsieur hot and fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

Nutritional and Health Benefits:

• This Croque Monsieur recipe provides a good source of protein from the ham and cheese, which are essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Enjoying this dish in moderation can contribute to a balanced diet, providing energy and satisfaction.

Variations to Explore:

• Add sliced tomatoes or Dijon mustard to the sandwiches for additional flavor.
• Substitute the ham with cooked turkey or smoked salmon for a different twist.

Conclusion:

With its irresistible combination of savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese, our Croque Monsieur recipe is a true French classic that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Serve it for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner and experience the comfort of this indulgent dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the difference between Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame?
   • The main difference between the two is that a Croque Madame is essentially a Croque Monsieur with a fried or poached egg on top.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
   • While Gruyère cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Emmental, Swiss, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   • You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ham with sliced mushrooms, grilled vegetables, or tofu.
4. Can I make Croque Monsieur ahead of time?
   • While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving. Reheat assembled sandwiches in the oven until warmed through.
5. What side dishes pair well with Croque Monsieur?
   • Croque Monsieur pairs well with a simple green salad, pickles, or a light soup such as tomato or French onion soup.

Resources :

1. Croque Monsieur Recipe – Bon Appétit
2. French Croque Monsieur – Martha Stewart
3. Easy Croque Monsieur – The Spruce Eats
4. Authentic Croque Monsieur – Saveur
5. Croque Monsieur Sandwiches – Food Network

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BEST Croque Monsieur Recipe

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Indulge in the classic French flavors of our Croque Monsieur recipe, featuring layers of rich ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between slices of crusty bread. This beloved French dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a satisfying snack.

• Author: Jessica
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or sourdough)
• 8 slices of cooked ham
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Place two slices of bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each slice with 2 slices of ham and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
6. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the cheese, then place the remaining slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
7. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with additional grated Gruyère cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sandwiches are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Croque Monsieur!

Notes

• Be sure to use good-quality bread and cheese for the best results.
• You can also make a Croque Madame by adding a fried or poached egg on top of each sandwich before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

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