Lunch & Dinner

Buvette Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Buvette Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: ¼ cup of caramelized onions; 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour; 2 cups of whole milk, warmed; 1 teaspoon of sea salt; ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper; ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg; 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese; 4 teaspoons of whole-grain Dijon mustard; 8 slices of crusty toasted country bread; ¼ pound of thinly sliced baked ham; ¼ teaspoon of herbes de Provence; Cornichons

Barbara Brito January 1, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 32 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When you think of a Buvette Croque Monsieur, you might picture a cozy café in Paris, but there’s more to this delightful dish than meets the eye. This French classic is rich, creamy, and loaded with savory flavors. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks.

For pairing, consider a light salad made with arugula, dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. This contrast balances the richness of the cheese and ham. A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish well. If you’re up for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon refreshes the palate. For a sweet touch, a side of fresh fruit, like sliced pears or figs, adds a nice contrast.

What is Buvette Croque Monsieur?

The Buvette Croque Monsieur recipe pays homage to the classic French sandwich but elevates it in a few delightful ways. Traditionally, a Croque Monsieur consists of ham and cheese sandwiched between slices of bread, then grilled or baked to perfection.

The Buvette twist involves a luscious béchamel sauce made from scratch. This creamy sauce envelops the sandwich, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience unlike any other.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the crisp sound as you bite into the toasted bread. The first flavor hits your taste buds—a delightful crunch giving way to savory notes of ham. Then, you encounter the rich, creamy béchamel sauce with layers of Gruyère cheese that envelop the whole affair.

The nutty undertones of the cheese pair well with the herb-laden complexity of the dish. Each mouthful offers warmth and satisfaction—a comforting mixture that lingers on your palate, urging you to take another bite.

Why You’ll Love This?

You’ll fall in love with this Buvette Croque Monsieur for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for any skill level in the kitchen. Second, it’s versatile. You can modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your preferences.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re having a casual gathering or a fancy soirée, this dish impresses without much effort.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful sandwich, gather the following ingredients:

¼ cup of caramelized onions
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
2 cups of whole milk, warmed
1 teaspoon of sea salt
½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese
4 teaspoons of whole-grain Dijon mustard
8 slices of crusty toasted country bread
¼ pound of thinly sliced baked ham
¼ teaspoon of herbes de Provence
Cornichons (for serving)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until you have a smooth paste. This forms a roux. Gradually add the warmed milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Season the Sauce

Once the béchamel is thick, stir in the sea salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, add the caramelized onions and half of the Gruyère cheese. Mix until smooth and remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread the Dijon mustard on four slices of the toasted country bread. Layer the ham over the mustard, then spoon a generous amount of the béchamel sauce on top. Top with another slice of bread.

Step 4: Add More Sauce and Cheese

Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over each sandwich and sprinkle the rest of the Gruyère cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sandwiches for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with herbes de Provence. Serve with cornichons on the side for a wonderful contrast!

Tips on Making Buvette Croque Monsieur

Choose Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor. Look for Gruyère that’s fresh and aged for depth.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the béchamel sauce a day in advance. Just reheat it gently before assembling the sandwiches.
Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Emmental or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a unique twist.
Include Extras: Add sliced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms between the layers for extra texture and flavor.
Double the Recipe: This dish is so good that doubling the recipe for leftovers is a wise idea. You won’t regret it!

How Do You Store This Buvette Croque Monsieur Recipe?

If you have leftovers, storing them is quite simple. Allow the sandwiches to cool completely. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be refrigerated for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Individual sandwiches can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the freezer—just add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Buvette Croque Monsieur Recipe?

In the world of cooking, flexibility is key. If you want to play around with this recipe, here are some substitutes to consider:

Cheese Alternatives: If Gruyère isn’t available, fontina makes a great substitute. It melts beautifully and has a rich, creamy flavor.
Bread Variations: Try using sourdough bread for a tangy twist. It adds depth to the flavor profile.
Meat Options: Swap out the ham for turkey or chicken breast for a lighter version. For a vegetarian take, consider spinach and artichoke or mushroom medley.
Sauce Swap: If you prefer a mustard kick, you might try using a spicy honey mustard in place of plain Dijon.
Herb Boost: Add some fresh thyme or basil to the béchamel for an herbal note.

Conclusion

In the grand culinary adventure of life, the Buvette Croque Monsieur stands out. It’s about comfort, flavor, and a touch of sophistication without the fuss. With its creamy béchamel and delicious layers of ham and cheese, this dish is more than a simple sandwich; it’s a journey to the small cafés of Paris.

So, gather your ingredients and start creating this French classic in your own kitchen. With this recipe, you’re not just making food; you’re crafting a moment worth savoring. Enjoy every bite, because you deserve it!

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Buvette Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Author: Barbara Brito Cuisine: French Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 7 mins Total Time 32 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 307 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ah, the Croque Monsieur. Who can resist this indulgent sandwich dripping with cheese and layered with ham? I can still recall the first time I sank my teeth into one. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was huddled in a quaint café in Paris, watching the world whiz by outside. That warm, gooey goodness felt like a hug in sandwich form.

Fast forward to today, and I'm sharing a Buvette-inspired Croque Monsieur recipe that's sure to bring a taste of Paris right to your kitchen. This isn't just any sandwich; it's a delight that combines toasted bread, savory ham, and a luxurious cheese sauce. As a registered dietitian and genuine food enthusiast, I love crafting recipes that strike the perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence.