How to Make a Croque-Monsieur Sandwich
The traditional French sandwich known as a “croque-Monsieur” is simple to prepare and utterly wonderful. It is made out of perfectly cooked toasted bread pieces, ham, and a creamy cheese sauce. The term “Croque-Monsieur” means “Mister Crunch” in English, alluding to the toasted bread’s crunchy texture. It’s the ideal meal for breakfast, lunch, or supper and goes well on its own or with a light salad or soup. The Croque-Monsieur is a must-try whether you love French food or are simply seeking for a delectable sandwich to add to your recipe collection.
Recipe for making a classic French Croque-Monsieur sandwich:
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- 8 ounces of Gruyere cheese, grated
- 8 slices of cooked ham
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and grated nutmeg.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the grated Gruyere cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce.
- Toast the bread slices and spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on each slice.
- Place a slice of ham on top of four of the bread slices and sprinkle some of the remaining Gruyere cheese on top of the ham.
- Top each ham-covered slice with one of the remaining bread slices, cheese sauce side down.
- Spread the remaining cheese sauce over the top of each sandwich.
- Sprinkle the rest of the Gruyere cheese on top of each sandwich.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it on top of each sandwich.
- Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Croque-Monsieur sandwich!
A Croque-Monsieur sandwich is unquestionably a tasty treat, but it may not be the healthiest choice. There are a few possible health advantages to take into account, though:
Protein: The ham and cheese in a Croque-Monsieur sandwich are a rich supply of this substance, which is necessary for the body’s tissue growth and repair.
Calcium: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is necessary for the growth and upkeep of healthy bones and teeth.
Energy: Carbohydrates, a key source of power for the body, are found in the bread of a Croque-Monsieur sandwich.
Nutrition: A Croque-Monsieur sandwich may also include vitamins and minerals including zinc and B vitamins depending on the kind of bread and cheese used.
It’s crucial to remember, too, that a Croque-Monsieur sandwich also contains a lot of calories, fat, and salt. It needs to be consumed in moderation as a component of a healthy diet.
FAQ Croque-Monsieur Sandwich
Q: Can I use a different type of bread for the sandwich?
Yes, you can use any type of bread you like. However, traditionally a Croque-Monsieur is made with white bread.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the sandwich?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. However, traditionally a Croque-Monsieur is made with Gruyere cheese.
Q: Can I make a Croque-Monsieur sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. However, it is best to make the sauce and add it to the sandwich just before baking.
Q: Can I make a Croque-Monsieur sandwich without the sauce?
Yes, you can make a simpler version of the sandwich without the sauce. Simply assemble the sandwich with bread, ham, and cheese, and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Q: Can I make a Croque-Monsieur sandwich with turkey instead of ham?
Yes, you can use any type of meat you like. However, traditionally a Croque-Monsieur is made with ham.