Croque Monsieur French Toast Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

When I first stumbled upon the concept of combining croque monsieur with French toast, I was skeptical. But curiosity got the better of me. Picture this: a classic French sandwich, enveloped in a sweet egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s the kind of creation that makes breakfast feel like an extravagant event and turns an ordinary day into something festive.

As a registered dietitian and food blogger, I’ve always sought recipes that are not only delicious but also rewarding in their execution. This recipe checks all those boxes and has quickly become a favorite in my home. People love it, and I think you will too.

What is Croque Monsieur French Toast?

In its essence, a classic croque monsieur is a ham and cheese sandwich baked with béchamel sauce. The French toast version takes that concept and transforms it into a delightful breakfast or brunch dish, adding a sweet touch. 

Imagine thick slices of bread, slathered with Dijon mustard, layered with ham and Gruyère cheese, dipped in an egg-cinnamon mixture, then crisped to perfection. It’s comfort food elevated—an experience for the palate wrapped in nostalgia.

Now let’s explore why this recipe will capture your heart (and stomach).

Why You’ll Love This Croque Monsieur French Toast Recipe

This croque monsieur French toast is not only delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to prepare. You can whip it up in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. The contrast of creamy cheese, savory ham, and the subtle sweetness from the egg batter beckons you for bite after bite.

Each mouthful is a celebration of flavors. The Gruyère melts beautifully, providing that luxurious texture that makes you feel like you’ve dined in a French café, while the hint of nutmeg and cinnamon offers a surprising warmth. The crispy exterior gives way to a decadent filling, making this dish a textural delight.

And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor—this recipe brings the essence of French culinary tradition right to your breakfast table. There’s a satisfaction in preparing it that you can share with family and friends, making for stories and laughter around the table.

The Ingredients You Will Need

To create this French culinary treasure, you need the following ingredients:

For the Sandwich:

• 1 Large Egg
• 2 Thick Slices of Soft White Bread
• ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Generous Slice of Ham Steak
• ¼ Cup Shredded Gruyère Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard 
• 1 Sliced Avocado 
• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 1 Pinch of Freshly Grated Nutmeg

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• ¾ Cup Creamy Whole Milk
• 1 Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to Taste
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Pinch of Freshly Grated Nutmeg

Directions

Ready to embark on making this culinary delight? Follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

• In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour. Whisk it together to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it’s slightly golden. This ensures a nutty flavor.
• Gradually pour in ¾ cup of whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring until the sauce thickens—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
• Season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and garlic powder. Just a pinch of nutmeg rounds it out beautifully. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

• Spread 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. This is where the magic starts.
• Layer one slice with the ham and ¼ cup of Gruyère cheese. You can also add a slice of avocado for added creaminess if desired.
• Place the second slice on top, mustard-side down to form a sandwich.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

• In a bowl, beat 1 large egg along with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
• This sweet egg mixture is crucial for that French toast transformation.

Step 4: Cook the Sandwich

• Preheat your skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
• Carefully dip the assembled sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides well.
• Place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve with Béchamel

• Once your sandwich is perfectly crispy, slice it in half.
• Pour the béchamel sauce over the top.
• You can sprinkle extra cheese or even some fresh herbs for garnish. Serve warm and savor the combination of flavors.

Notes

Here are some useful tips to enhance your experience:

• Choose Quality Ingredients: The ham and cheese make or break the dish, so select high-quality, flavorful options.
• Bread Matters: A thicker bread like brioche or challah can elevate the dish.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sandwich filling in advance and then dip it in the egg mixture just before frying.
• Add Layers: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a gourmet twist.
• Garnishes: Chopped chives or parsley lifts the dish visually and adds freshness.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Here are some storage suggestions:

• Refrigeration: Wrap any leftover sandwiches in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet rather than a microwave. This keeps it crispy.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked sandwiches. Wrap them carefully in foil, then store in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.

Serving Suggestions

Here are my top suggestions to serve alongside this dish:

• Fresh Salad: A simple arugula and lemon salad gives a refreshing contrast. The peppery arugula balances the richness of the French toast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or zucchini offers natural sweetness and a delightful crunch.
• Fruit Compote: A sweet fig or berry compote brings out the flavors beautifully. The addition of a fruity side uplifts the overall dining experience.
• Chilled Soup: Consider a cold gazpacho. The coolness plays well against the warm, hearty French toast.
• Sparkling Beverage: A glass of sparkling water, perhaps with lemon, cleanses the palate efficiently.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use?

Sometimes, swapping ingredients is fun. Here are some substitutes to consider:

• Cheese Alternatives: Use mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer. Gruyère has a unique flavor, but these options will work too!
• Bread Varieties: Sourdough makes an excellent alternative for a zesty twist. Its chewiness contrasts well with the tender filling.
• Protein Swaps: Turkey or chicken ham offers a lighter take. You won’t lose flavor, just gain some health benefits.
• Veggie Additions: Add sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients. These vegetables work excellently in this recipe.
• Dijon Substitute: If Dijon is too sharp for your palate, try a sweeter mustard or even a honey mustard for a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

In this culinary journey, we uncovered the delightful croque monsieur French toast recipe. It’s a fantastic fusion of flavors that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether you serve it at brunch, or as a creative breakfast dish, the satisfaction is undeniable. This dish has a way of inviting conversation and creating memories, and I hope it brings a smile to your face, just as it has to mine.

Feel free to experiment, share it with loved ones, and make it your own. Happy cooking! Enjoy this masterpiece right from the comfort of your home.

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