Best 3 Classic Croque Monsieur Recipes
The classic croque monsieur is a delightful French sandwich that combines the flavors of ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce. It is a popular lunch and dinner dish, and it can be served as a main course or a side dish. The croque monsieur is made with two slices of bread, which are spread with butter and then topped with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce. The sandwich is then grilled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The croque monsieur is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CLASSIC CROQUE MONSIEUR
Think of this classic French bistro sandwich as a ham and cheese sandwich, sent over the top with a Bechamel sauce. Rich, cheesy, and warm, you might just need a knife and fork! I like to make the Bechamel first, and have all the cheese grated, so the assembly goes quickly. Garnish with cornichons, if you like, and serve with a vegetable salad or simple soup.
Provided by Bibi
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine milk and cream in a microwave-safe container and microwave on high power, about 90 seconds. The liquid should be warm to the touch.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and keep stirring until all the flour is coated in butter, and the flour and butter begin to bubble, about 2 minutes. Gradually stir in warmed milk and cream and cook until sauce begins to thicken, stirring constantly. Continue stirring, until the sauce is thick and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat and brown 4 pieces of bread on 1 side, about 4 minutes. Place browned bread on the prepared baking sheet, browned side down.
- Spread each piece of bread with Bechamel sauce, from edge to edge. Place two slices of deli ham on the Bechamel and top with 1/2 cup of grated Gruyere cheese. Place remaining bread slices on top of each sandwich and spread the top with Bechamel, from edge to edge. Sprinkle the top of each sandwich with 2 tablespoons grated Gruyere cheese and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Turn on the oven's broiler.
- Move baking sheet about 6 inches from the heat source and broil sandwiches until the top is bubbly and brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully, to avoid scorching the parchment paper and burning the cheese. Allow the sandwiches to cool slightly, cut in half, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 878.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.7 g, Cholesterol 193.4 mg, Fat 60.6 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 44.7 g, SaturatedFat 33.9 g, Sodium 1616.1 mg, Sugar 6 g
THE CLASSIC FRENCH BISTRO SANDWICH - CROQUE MONSIEUR
My two versions of this classic French café/bistro sandwich - oven baked for large quantities and ease.......or, the traditional frying pan/skillet method! You can always rely upon the French to add a certain "je ne sais quoi" to even the simplest food ...including the humble cheese and ham sandwich. The croque-monsieur (which becomes a croque-madame if you top it with a fried egg) is a great favourite in French cafés & bistros, and there are as many methods of crafting it as there are cafés! This one works for me. But, please be warned ... it's not for calorie-counters, the Cholesterol Police or those of a nervous disposition!!
Provided by French Tart
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4 Croque Monsieur, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Spread the bread with some of the softened butter, make 4 sandwiches, each with one slice of ham and one slice of cheese. Press them firmly together.
- Beat the eggs with the water, add the salt and pepper to taste, and dip the sandwiches into the egg mixture, coating all sides well.
- Heat the rest of the butter in a heavy- bottomed frying pan/skillet, when it has melted and is very hot - but not brown, fry the sandwiches for about 5 - 8 minutes, turning once.
- Serve immediately.
- If you prefer, although it is not traditional, you may place the croque-monsieur into a very well-buttered baking pan and bake in a moderately hot oven - 175°C/350°F - turning once, for about 10 to 15 minutes. It is easier to prepare a larger number this way and keep them warm until you are ready to serve them.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 487.7, Fat 36.1, SaturatedFat 21, Cholesterol 184.8, Sodium 587.6, Carbohydrate 25.6, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 2.4, Protein 15.6
CLASSIC CROQUE MONSIEUR
Steps:
- 1. Place cheese and white wine in a double boilder and melt over hot water. 2. Working in batches, dip each piece of bread in melted butter and fry on both sides until golden. 3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and saute the ham slices. 4. Spread 4 slices of bread with the melted cheese and top with ham and another bread slice.
Tips:
- Choose the right bread: A good croque monsieur starts with a sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings and béchamel sauce. A classic choice is a thick-cut white bread, such as sourdough or brioche. You can also use a hearty whole-grain bread for a more rustic flavor.
- Make a creamy béchamel sauce: The béchamel sauce is the glue that holds the croque monsieur together. Make sure to cook it until it is thick and creamy, and season it well with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Use quality cheese: The cheese is one of the most important ingredients in a croque monsieur, so don't skimp on quality. Use a cheese that melts well, such as Gruyère, Emmental, or Comte.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When you are cooking the croque monsieur, don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the sandwiches from cooking evenly. Cook the sandwiches in batches if necessary.
- Serve immediately: Croque monsieur is best served immediately after it is cooked. The béchamel sauce will start to thicken and the cheese will start to harden as it cools, so don't let it sit for too long before serving.
Conclusion:
Croque monsieur is a classic French sandwich that is both delicious and easy to make. With its creamy béchamel sauce, melted cheese, and crispy bread, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give croque monsieur a try. You won't be disappointed.
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