Best 2 French Croque Monsieur Recipes

Discover the delightful flavors and indulge in the classic French cuisine with a one-of-a-kind recipe for the esteemed croque monsieur. Embark on a culinary journey to create this iconic sandwich, known for its delectable combination of buttery, golden-brown bread, melted cheese, and savory ham. This article will guide you through the steps to craft the perfect croque monsieur, ensuring a taste sensation that will leave you yearning for more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

THE CLASSIC FRENCH BISTRO SANDWICH - CROQUE MONSIEUR

The Classic French Bistro Sandwich - Croque Monsieur image

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

Ingredients

8 slices white bread
4 ounces butter, softened
4 slices ham
4 slices gruyere cheese
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
salt
fresh ground black pepper

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

THE ULTIMATE CROQUE MONSIEUR - BAKED FRENCH BISTRO SANDWICH

The Ultimate Croque Monsieur - Baked French Bistro Sandwich image

This is a superb ham and cheese French bistro sandwich slathered in a delightful Bechamel-Soubise cheese sauce that's spiked with pastis, and baked to golden perfection! For a "Croque Madame" variation, serve with a fried or poached egg on top (the egg resembles a ladies hat). Serve hot, garnished with a thyme sprig and a tart little Cornichon pickle on the side, and a drizzle of my violet mustard recipe #400926. Heavenly! Inspired by the Croque Monsieurs served at the famous Tartine's Bakery & Cafe located in San Francisco, California.

Provided by BecR2400

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 4 Croque Monsieur, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons white onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup hot half-and-half cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons pastis
8 ounces gruyere cheese, grated (divided use)
1/3 cup fromage blanc or 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 thick slices country French bread, crusts removed
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
6 ounces applewood-smoked ham, thinly sliced
fresh thyme sprig, for garnish
4 tart little french cornichons, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 4oo degrees F.
To Make Bechamel Soubise Sauce --.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and sweat the garlic and onions over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring often.
Add the flour all at once, whisking with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. Stir in the hot cream and cook, whisking constantly, for 5 minutes or until sauce is thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the salt. pepper, nutmeg, Pastis, 1/4 cup grated Gruyere, fromage blanc, and the Parmesan; set aside.
To toast the bread, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, turn and bake for another 3 minutes, until toasted.
To Assemble the Sandwiches --.
Brush Dijon mustard evenly on one side of half the toasted bread slices. Add a slice of ham to each, sprinkle with half the remaining Gruyere. Top with another slice of toasted bread. Slather the tops with the cheese sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyere.
Bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F. Turn on the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese topping is nicely caramelized. (You want the outside to be crusty and golden brown, and the inside soft and pudding-like).
Serve hot, garnished with a thyme sprig and a tart little Cornichon pickle on the side. Variation: For a "Croque Madame", serve with a fried or poached egg on top (the egg resembles a ladies hat).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 853, Fat 38.1, SaturatedFat 21.4, Cholesterol 127.8, Sodium 2747.6, Carbohydrate 81, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 4.8, Protein 46.7

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Make sure the béchamel sauce is thick and creamy.
Use a good quality Gruyère cheese that melts well.
Cook the sandwich in a hot pan until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the sandwich immediately with your favorite sides.

Conclusion:

Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is made with simple ingredients that are easily accessible, and it can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, Croque Monsieur is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying sandwich, give Croque Monsieur a try.