Bon Appetit Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

As a food enthusiast, I have found that certain dishes carry a special magic. They evoke memories, remind us of gatherings, and often have a comforting quality. One such dish is the croque monsieur. 

Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve created a meal that’s effortless yet elegant. Imagine crunching through golden, crispy bread to reveal layers of melted cheese and savory ham. And the side salad? Just a simple mix of mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette. Perfect.

What Is Bon Appetit Croque Monsieur?

The Bon Appetit croque monsieur is a delightful twist on a classic French sandwich. It consists of bread, ham, and cheese, with a creamy béchamel sauce that takes it to another level. The term “croque” translates to “crunch” in French, hinting at the toasty exterior of the sandwich. It’s comforting and indulgent, yet surprisingly easy to make.

In this recipe, I’ll lead you step by step through a foolproof process for crafting this delicious treat. You’ll find that with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that impresses anyone at the table.

The Ingredients

Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather our supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Béchamel Sauce

¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

1½ cups whole milk

2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg)

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste 

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Assembly

6 oz. high-quality ham, ideally Paris ham (approximately 8 slices)

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

3 oz. Gruyère cheese, shredded (around 1½ cups)

8 slices of ½”-thick handmade bread

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to roll.

How to Make Bon Appetit Croque Monsieur

In the coming steps, I’ll guide you through making this indulgent sandwich. There’s a method to the madness, but don’t worry—it’s quite straightforward!

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

First things first. The béchamel sauce is critical to getting that luscious, creamy texture. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly but not browned.
2. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly until it turns a light golden color.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add in the smoked paprika, stone-ground mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Now let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This will help with that golden toastiness we all crave.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Time to build the sandwich!

1. Start by laying four slices of bread on a clean surface.
2. Divide the ham evenly among the bread slices.
3. Sprinkle the herbes de Provence over the ham.
4. Add a generous layer of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the ham.
5. Place the remaining bread slices on top.

Step 4: Coat the Sandwiches

This step is essential for that perfect finish.

1. Spread a ladle of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Don’t hold back; coat it generously.
2. Top each sandwich with the remaining Gruyère cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Sandwiches

1. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
2. Keep an eye on them! The aroma will be heavenly, so resist the urge to peek too often.

Step 6: Serve

Once done, take the sandwiches out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Slice them in half, serve warm, and watch faces light up.

Notes

A few handy tips to elevate your croque monsieur experience:

• Use high-quality ham. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
• Opt for fresh Gruyère cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty taste.
• Experiment with bread types. Sour dough or a rustic loaf can add unique character.
• Try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms. It gives an earthy depth to the sandwich.
• Don’t skip the béchamel sauce. It’s what sets this sandwich apart from a basic grilled cheese.

Storage Tips

If there are leftovers (which is rare), here’s how to store them:

• Keep wrapped in plastic wrap. This will maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate. They can last for up to three days.
• Reheat in the oven. For the best texture, place the sandwich on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Simple Green Salad: A mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette brightens the meal.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries provide a fun contrast to the rich sandwich.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Add some color with roasted carrots and zucchini.
4. Chips and Pickles: The crunch and tang complement the sandwich perfectly.
5. French Onion Soup: For a classic pairing, a small bowl of rich soup warms the soul.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Bon Appetit Croque Monsieur Recipe?

Sometimes, you might want to switch things up. Here are some substitutes to consider:

• Smoked Turkey Breast: If you’re looking for lighter protein, turkey works well.
• Fontina Cheese: This cheese melts nicely and lends a creamy flavor.
• Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier twist, whole-wheat bread adds fiber.
• Spinach: Adding fresh spinach provides a nutritious boost.
• Dijon Mustard: Swap stone-ground for Dijon for an intense flavor kick.

Conclusion

Trying out the Bon Appetit croque monsieur recipe is a rewarding culinary adventure. The blend of toasted bread, savory ham, and melty cheese exemplifies comfort food at its finest. With layers of flavor and an extra creamy béchamel, it’s hard not to fall in love with this dish. 

Whether you’re making it for a brunch, a cozy dinner, or just treating yourself, this sandwich will hit the spot. Grab your apron, gather those ingredients, and let the cooking begin. Bon appétit!

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