Croque Monsieur? Ooh-la-la! Have You Ever Tried One?
I’ll be honest; I heard the name of this famous sandwich long before I had the chance to taste it. It always sounded so elegant and out of reach, which only made me crave it even more!
Not that I spent sleepless nights dreaming of it, but every time I encountered the name in a movie or came across it in a book, my curiosity was piqued.
Classic Croque Monsieur: A French Delight
During my first visit to Paris, I finally spotted it on a menu—thankfully, in the budget-friendly section. I ordered it right away. Did it live up to the hype? Mais oui!
What is Classic Croque Monsieur?
When I placed my order, I didn’t quite know what to expect, but my first bite revealed everything. The Croque Monsieur is essentially a richer, more refined cousin of the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
The name Croque Monsieur translates to “Monsieur Crunch” in English, and it first graced the menus of Parisian cafes in 1910, quickly gaining popularity. Traditionally, this delightful sandwich is made with bread, ham, and either Emmental or Gruyère cheese. However, I didn’t have those cheeses on hand, so I opted for aged white Cheddar instead.
If you decide to top it with a fried egg, it transforms into a Croque Madame! Doesn’t that sound like a delightful and classy brunch idea?
What Cheese Can I Use?
You can use any cheese you enjoy, except Kraft singles—let’s draw the line somewhere!
How Do I Make an Easy Croque Monsieur Sandwich?
If you’re familiar with making a simple grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll easily master its French counterpart.
Many traditional recipes for Croque Monsieur involve preparing a laborious béchamel sauce to mix with the cheese. That complexity could discourage anyone from trying to make this delicious sandwich.
To simplify things, I suggest adding a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream to the grated cheese. This creates that luscious, oozy cheese topping over the bread, just like in the classic version.
Now, let’s get started! Grate your cheese, mix it with a bit of cream, and add a dash of nutmeg. I can tell you’re getting excited already!
Slice your bread thickly—I opted for sourdough, which I absolutely loved!
Place a slice in a buttered baking dish and spread half of the cheese mixture on top. Next, add a slice of ham. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some more cheese!
Then, pop it into the oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Enjoy!
What Can I Serve with Croque Monsieur?
While Croque Monsieur might sound fancy, it’s quite straightforward, hearty, and absolutely delicious! With this little “aristocrat” alongside a small green salad, you can impress your in-laws during an unexpected visit.
Cut it in half and enjoy with your best friend—or indulge entirely on your own; I promise I won’t judge! And don’t forget to set the mood with some delightful French music!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons whipping cream or double cream
- 50g (1/4 cup) aged Cheddar or Gruyère cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 2 thick slices of sourdough bread
- 1 thick slice of ham
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Grate the cheese and combine it with the cream and grated nutmeg.
- Slice the bread and spread half of the cheese mixture onto each slice.
- Transfer the prepared slices to a buttered baking dish.
- Place one slice of bread topped with ham and add a bit more cheese before sandwiching it together, ensuring the cheese side is facing up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
If you have any specific adjustments or details you’d like included, let me know!
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