You’re settling into a cozy café atmosphere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee enveloping you, and your taste buds are tingling with anticipation for the perfect accompaniment to your Croque Monsieur.
A light salad with arugula or a side of crispy, golden fries can elevate the experience. Add a glass of chilled white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and you’ve got a culinary match made in heaven. Even pairing it with a refreshing iced tea can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
Now, let’s dig in.
What is Starbucks Croque Monsieur?
In simple terms, a Croque Monsieur is a French hot sandwich. It traditionally consists of ham and cheese, but the real magic lies in the béchamel sauce slathered on top. This creamy sauce adds depth and enhances the sandwich’s flavor.
At Starbucks, they’ve perfected this dish into a microwave-friendly option without losing that iconic taste. The layers of flavor and texture make every bite a delightful experience.
What Does It Taste Like?
The first taste of the Starbucks Croque Monsieur is a harmonious blend of savory and creamy. The Gruyere cheese melts beautifully, creating a rich, gooey texture. The smoked ham adds a delightful saltiness, perfectly balancing against the creaminess.
As you bite into that perfectly toasted bread, the crunch is heavenly, followed by a silky béchamel sauce that ties everything together. If you enjoy comforting yet elegant flavors, this sandwich is your new best friend.
Why This Recipe Works
Now, let’s dive into what makes this recipe work so well:
1. Perfect balance of flavors. The combination of the sharp Gruyere cheese and the smoky ham creates a solid flavor foundation. Each ingredient complements the other, making each bite satisfying.
2. Creamy béchamel sauce. This star player in the recipe brings the whole sandwich together. The béchamel, made from simple ingredients like flour and milk, adds a luxurious touch that elevates the Croque Monsieur from ordinary to extraordinary.
3. Texture contrast. The crispy bread acts as a perfect counterpart to the velvety filling. The crunch of the toasted surface against the creaminess inside offers a delightful mouthfeel.
4. Versatile and customizable. Not in the mood for ham? You can easily substitute turkey or even veggies for a lighter version. The recipe is adaptable, giving you room to personalize it according to your kitchen’s needs.
Ingredients for Starbucks Croque Monsieur
You’ll need the following:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups tender baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup finely diced leeks
- Rustic artisan bread, thickly sliced and toasted
- Zesty Dijon mustard
- Generous slices of smoked ham
- Creamy Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- Velvety béchamel sauce
- Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Start gathering your ingredients. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for around 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
Gradually add the warm milk, whisking until smooth. Cook it until it thickens, then stir in the nutmeg, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Add Cheeses and Seasonings
Remove the sauce from the heat. Now, stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the minced thyme and smoked paprika. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Toast slices of the rustic artisan bread until golden brown. A toaster or grill works perfectly for this. You want that lovely crispiness that can hold up to the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Layer one slice with a hefty portion of the béchamel sauce followed by the smoked ham and spinach. Top it with another layer of Gruyere cheese. Finish with the other slice of bread smeared with mustard on the inside.
Step 5: Toast the Sandwich
Brush the outside of the sandwich with extra virgin olive oil. Heat your skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet, pressing down gently. Cook until it’s golden brown on one side, then flip and repeat on the other side. Both sides should have a lovely crunch.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Once your sandwich is golden brown and the cheese has melted, remove it from the skillet. Let it sit for a minute, then cut it in half. Serve it hot with a side salad or your favorite fries.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the béchamel sauce a day in advance for convenience. Just reheat before assembling the sandwich.
- Bread Choice: Opt for sturdy bread that can hold up to the filling. Sourdough or country bread are fantastic options.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyere is unavailable, Emmental or Jarlsberg can work as substitutes.
- Baking Option: For a healthier twist, bake the sandwich instead of frying it. Brush with olive oil and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until golden.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the béchamel for a little kick.
How to Store the Leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftover Croque Monsieur, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps the bread crispy while ensuring the cheese remains melty.
Sides for Starbucks Croque Monsieur
To make your meal complete, consider these sides:
1. Simple Side Salad. Toss together mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette. The freshness complements the rich sandwich well.
2. Potato Wedges. Crispy, lightly seasoned wedges add satisfying crunch. Bake or fry them until golden for a perfect pairing.
3. Vegetable Soup. A bowl of warm soup can be comforting, particularly on a cooler day. Choose tomato or butternut squash for warmth and flavor.
4. Pickles or Olives. These can provide a tangy contrast against the richness of the sandwich. Their brininess revitalizes your palate between bites.
Alternative Choices for the Ingredients
Running low on something? Here are alternatives you can use:
1. Cheese Substitutes. Use mozzarella or cheddar if Gruyere isn’t available. They each provide unique tastes but still melt beautifully.
2. Ham Alternatives. Use turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Vegetarians can replace ham with grilled vegetables or roasted mushrooms.
3. Béchamel Variations. For a quicker option, you can find store-bought sauces to use in place of homemade.
4. Whole Grain Options. If you want a healthier bread, whole grain or gluten-free bread works without losing flavor.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Croque Monsieur is more than just a sandwich; it’s a culinary experience you create right in your own kitchen. With its savory filling and luscious béchamel, it’s a dish that delights the senses.
Whether you pair it with a light salad or something heartier, each bite brings comfort and joy. I hope these insights encourage you to make and enjoy this classic dish. So roll up your sleeves and give it a try. You won’t regret it!
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Starbucks Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Description
There’s something undeniably special about a bite of a well-crafted Croque Monsieur. This classic French sandwich, filled with layers of ham and gooey cheese, takes breakfast or brunch to a new level.
Forget about the mundane toast or bland bagels. The Starbucks Croque Monsieur is truly a standout option on their menu.
When I first tried this sandwich, I was instantly transported to a quaint Parisian café, even though I was just at my local Starbucks. At first bite, I felt the crunchy toasted bread give way to a creamy, savory filling. It’s comfort food with a dash of sophistication and yes, a bit of indulgence.
But what exactly is Starbucks Croque Monsieur? How does it taste? And why is this recipe worth making at home? Let’s unravel all these delicious aspects.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
-
Start gathering your ingredients. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for around 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
Gradually add the warm milk, whisking until smooth. Cook it until it thickens, then stir in the nutmeg, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 2: Add Cheeses and Seasonings
-
Remove the sauce from the heat. Now, stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the minced thyme and smoked paprika. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
-
Toast slices of the rustic artisan bread until golden brown. A toaster or grill works perfectly for this. You want that lovely crispiness that can hold up to the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
-
Spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Layer one slice with a hefty portion of the béchamel sauce followed by the smoked ham and spinach. Top it with another layer of Gruyere cheese. Finish with the other slice of bread smeared with mustard on the inside.
Step 5: Toast the Sandwich
-
Brush the outside of the sandwich with extra virgin olive oil. Heat your skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet, pressing down gently. Cook until it’s golden brown on one side, then flip and repeat on the other side. Both sides should have a lovely crunch.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
-
Once your sandwich is golden brown and the cheese has melted, remove it from the skillet. Let it sit for a minute, then cut it in half. Serve it hot with a side salad or your favorite fries.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 768kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 38.3g59%
- Saturated Fat 21.6g108%
- Cholesterol 102mg34%
- Sodium 909mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 78g26%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 38g
- Protein 32g64%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the béchamel sauce a day in advance for convenience. Just reheat before assembling the sandwich.
- Bread Choice: Opt for sturdy bread that can hold up to the filling. Sourdough or country bread are fantastic options.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyere is unavailable, Emmental or Jarlsberg can work as substitutes.
- Baking Option: For a healthier twist, bake the sandwich instead of frying it. Brush with olive oil and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until golden.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the béchamel for a little kick.
