Background and History
The Croque-Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that first appeared on Parisian café menus in the early 20th century. The name “croque-monsieur” roughly translates to “mister crunch,” reflecting its crispy texture. This delicious dish is essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, elevated with a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a staple of French bistros and a beloved comfort food worldwide.
Recipe Guide
Serves
- 2 people
Time
- Total preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 slices of white or sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons of butter (softened)
- 4 slices of cooked ham
- 4 slices of Gruyère or Emmental cheese
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly until it forms a smooth paste (about 1 minute).
- Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a griddle/pan over medium heat.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on two slices of bread.
- Place a slice of cheese on top of the béchamel.
- Add two slices of ham on top of the cheese.
- Spread a little Dijon mustard on the remaining two slices of bread (optional).
- Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.
Cook the Sandwiches
- Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich.
- If using an oven, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- If using a griddle or pan, cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Top and Serve
- If desired, spread a little more béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the béchamel.
- Place the sandwiches under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1300mg
Notes
- For a Croque-Madame variation, add a fried or poached egg on top of each sandwich before serving.
- You can substitute Gruyère or Emmental with other melting cheeses like Swiss or cheddar if preferred.
- For added flavor, consider adding a thin slice of tomato or a few leaves of fresh spinach inside the sandwich.
Allergy Warning
- Contains dairy (butter, milk, cheese)
- Contains gluten (bread, flour)
- Contains pork (ham)
- Mustard (optional) may cause allergies in some individuals
Enjoy your homemade Croque-Monsieur, a taste of French culinary tradition right in your kitchen!
What is the difference between a Monte Cristo and a Croque-Monsieur?
A Monte Cristo is a variation of the Croque-Monsieur that is typically dipped in egg batter and fried, giving it a French toast-like quality. It is often served with powdered sugar and a side of jam or preserves, adding a sweet element to the savory sandwich.
Why is it called a Croque-Monsieur?
The name “Croque-Monsieur” comes from the French words “croquer” (to crunch) and “monsieur” (mister). It refers to the sandwich’s crispy texture when toasted or grilled.
What is the difference between a Croque Madame and a Croque-Monsieur?
A Croque Madame is similar to a Croque-Monsieur but with the addition of a fried or poached egg on top. The egg resembles a lady’s hat, which is why it is called “Madame.”
What is Croque-Monsieur made of?
A Croque-Monsieur is made of sliced bread, ham, and cheese, typically Gruyère or Emmental. It is topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and then toasted or grilled until crispy and golden.
What country is Croque-Monsieur from?
Croque-Monsieur originates from France. It is a popular French bistro and café staple.
What is “croque” in French?
In French, “croque” means “crunch” or “bite,” reflecting the sandwich’s crispy texture.
When should I eat Croque-Monsieur?
Croque-Monsieur can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but it is commonly served as a lunch or brunch dish. It also makes for a hearty snack or a light dinner.
What is the English word for “croque”?
The English word for “croque” is “crunch.”
Is Croque-Monsieur masculine or feminine?
The term “Croque-Monsieur” is masculine in French, as indicated by the word “monsieur,” which means “mister.”
How do you eat a Croque-Monsieur?
A Croque-Monsieur is typically eaten with a knife and fork due to its rich béchamel topping and melted cheese. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side salad or fries.
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