Breakfast & Snacks

Alton Brown Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Alton Brown Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 ounce all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 8 ounces whole milk; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon cream cheese; 8 ounces 8 thinly sliced Black Forest ham, cut into 1-inch wide strips; 1/4 cup baby spinach; Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the pan; 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard; 8 ounces grated Gruyère cheese; 4 large eggs; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence; 1/4 cup caramelized onions; Coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 inch-thick Four slices of sourdough bread

Barbara Brito December 28, 2024

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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If you’re planning to make Alton Brown’s Croque Monsieur, you might be pondering what to serve alongside this classic French sandwich.

A crisp arugula salad adds a peppery bite and balances the richness of the dish. For a refreshing touch, consider a homemade pickled vegetable medley.

A light soup, such as tomato or a simple vegetable broth, can complement the main event nicely. Finally, a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer rounds out the experience, ensuring you savor every bite.

What is Alton Brown’s Croque Monsieur?

In simplest terms, a Croque Monsieur is a hot ham and cheese sandwich, elegantly topped with béchamel sauce and toasted to perfection. Alton Brown, the culinary wizard, transforms this classic into an incredible dish featuring layers of flavor that’ll tickle your taste buds. The recipe balances savory ham, creamy béchamel, and melty Gruyère cheese, all nestled between hearty slices of sourdough bread.

What Does It Taste Like?

When you take that first bite of a Croque Monsieur, you’re greeted with a crunch from the toasted bread, followed by the creamy richness of the béchamel and the savory notes of ham. The cheese adds a delightful gooiness, binding everything together. The nutmeg and cayenne pepper hiding in the béchamel offer a gentle warmth. Every ingredient has its role in creating a symphony of flavors that’s remarkably pleasing.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Flavor Balance: The combination of salty ham, creamy cheese, and crisp bread forms a perfect balance. Each bite offers a contrast of flavors, ensuring that it never feels one-dimensional.

2. Béchamel Mastery: Alton Brown’s béchamel sauce is a game changer. It adds creaminess without overwhelming the other flavors and provides that essential touch of sophistication. With a hint of nutmeg and cayenne, it makes a significant difference.

3. Texture Variety: This dish excels in texture. The crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, gooey center. The play between the crispy crust and the melted cheese keeps your palate engaged, bite after bite.

4. Customizable Components: While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also quite forgiving. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Want turkey instead of ham? Go for it!

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Croque Monsieur

Béchamel Sauce:

1 ounce all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
½ teaspoon white pepper
8 ounces whole milk
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon cream cheese

Sandwiches:

8 ounces thinly sliced Black Forest ham, cut into 1-inch wide strips
¼ cup baby spinach
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
8 ounces grated Gruyère cheese
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
¼ cup caramelized onions
Coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Four ½-inch-thick slices of sourdough bread

Alton Brown Croque Monsieur Copycat Recipe

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about two minutes. This forms your roux and gives a nutty flavor to the sauce. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes.

Next, add in the nutmeg, salt, white pepper, thyme, cayenne, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Set the béchamel aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Filling

In a bowl, mix the ham with the spinach, caramelized onions, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This mixture will become the delicious filling for your sandwich.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

Spray one side of each slice of sourdough bread with nonstick cooking spray. Turn them over and spread a layer of whole-grain mustard on the ungreased side.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

On the mustard side, pile on the ham and spinach mixture. Sprinkle an even layer of Gruyère cheese over the filling. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, mustard side down.

Step 5: Cook the Sandwiches

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place one sandwich in the skillet, cooking until golden brown on one side—approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Use a spatula to flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it’s also golden.

Step 6: Top with Béchamel

Preheat your oven to broil. Once both sides of the sandwich are golden brown, place them on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of béchamel sauce over each sandwich and sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top.

Step 7: Broil

Broil the sandwiches for about 2-3 minutes, or until the béchamel is bubbling and golden. Then, pull them from the oven, and allow them to cool for a minute before slicing.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh thyme and quality cheese elevate your sandwich.
Keep an eye on the sandwiches: When broiling, stay vigilant. They can go from perfect to charred in a heartbeat.
Double the sauce: If you love béchamel, consider making a little extra for dipping!
Don’t overload your sandwich: Keep a balance between filling and sauce. Too much filling can make sandwiches hard to manage.
Let them rest: Letting the sandwiches rest for a minute before cutting helps keep the filling intact.

How to Store the Leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 2-3 days. Reheat by placing them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a sprinkle of water to the pan and cover to create steam, which will help reheat the sandwich without drying it out.

Sides for Alton Brown’s Croque Monsieur Recipe

1. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can cleanse the palate.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Consider sautéing seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with a hint of olive oil and herbs for a flavorful complement.

3. Potato Chips: Crunchy, salty chips are a classic side that adds a fun texture. The contrast to the creamy sandwich is delightful.

4. Tomato Soup: Pairing your Croque Monsieur with a bowl of tomato soup creates a comforting duo. The acidity of the soup cuts through the richness beautifully.

Alternative Ingredient Choices

1. Cheese Substitute: Gouda or cheddar can work if Gruyère isn’t available. Both offer great melting qualities.

2. Bread Variety: Whole grain or rye bread can replace sourdough. Choose what suits your taste.

3. Protein Swap: Instead of ham, turkey or roasted vegetables offer a lighter option.

4. Dairy Alternatives: Use almond milk and cashew cream for a dairy-free sauce. This still yields a creamy béchamel.

Conclusion

There you have it—a guide to making Alton Brown’s tantalizing Croque Monsieur. This dish is a testament to the idea that simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

The crunchy exterior, creamy interior, and layers of flavor guarantee that this sandwich will impress anyone who takes a bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delicious French culinary adventure! Bon appétit!

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Alton Brown Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Author: Barbara Brito Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast & Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 997 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Let me take you on a culinary journey to France, where every bite tells a story. Today, we’re whipping up a delightful Croque Monsieur, following Alton Brown's foolproof recipe.

This is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself, this classic dish promises satisfaction. And trust me, the first bite will have you proclaiming, “Ooh la la!”