Croque Monsieur Muffin Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

When it comes to assembling a meal around croque monsieur muffins, you have options galore. Imagine serving these warm, cheesy delights with a side of crisp mixed greens, lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette. 

The refreshing crunch of the salad cuts through the richness of the muffins, striking a perfect balance on the palate. 

Alternatively, a steaming bowl of tomato soup can make a delightful companion, creating that classic grilled cheese and tomato soup vibe. For those into stronger flavors, consider pairing your muffins with a tangy pickle platter. The acidity of the pickles cleanses the taste buds, making every bite of muffin feel fresh and exciting.

If you’re in a festive spirit, perhaps crack open some bubbly for brunch. The effervescent notes of champagne or sparkling wine enhance the flavors beautifully, bringing a touch of elegance to cozy bites.

Feeling adventurous? 

Try pairing muffins with a lightly crafted fruit chutney. The sweetness and spice can bring out the savory aspects of the croque monsieur muffin, transforming your dining experience into a culinary adventure.

Personal Touch: My Experience with the Ingredients

As I deeply delved into the ingredients for my croque monsieur muffins, nostalgia washed over me. The comforting aroma of melted cheese transports me straight back to cozy French cafés. 

I absolutely love using Gruyère or aged Comté cheese because these cheeses melt beautifully and add an exquisite flavor.

I can’t forget about the ham; it’s the saltiness that meshes flawlessly with the creamy cheese. I remember visiting a local deli, picking up some freshly diced ham just for this occasion. The freshness is key. 

The eggs, oh, the eggs! They create a luscious custard that holds everything together, making each muffin luxurious.

When choosing bread, I opted for soft white because it yields the perfect texture. As I trimmed the crusts, I felt a bit like a five-star chef prepping for a culinary masterpiece. Herbs add a pop of color and flavor; for me, fresh parsley brightens the entire dish. This isn’t just cooking; it’s an experience.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for these mouthwatering muffins:

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• A pinch of smoked paprika
• 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup finely grated Gruyère or aged Comté cheese, plus extra for topping
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Muffins:

• 6 slices soft white bread, with the crusts trimmed off
• 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, plus extra to grease the muffin tin
• 2 1/2 ounces diced ham
• 6 small eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Croque Monsieur Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Let’s get started! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential. It allows the muffins to rise perfectly and develop a lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour in, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking for about a minute until it’s a smooth paste. Gradually pour in the warm milk, all the while whisking to mix thoroughly. 

Add the smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly—about three minutes should do it. Finally, stir in the Gruyère or aged Comté cheese until it melts into a velvety texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin with some melted unsalted butter. This step is crucial. Nobody wants their delicious creation stuck to the pan.

Step 4: Assemble the Muffins

Take your crustless bread slices and roll them out flat with a rolling pin. Next, cut them into a size that fits your muffin tin cups. Lay the pieces into the tins, pressing them down gently. These will be your muffin bases.

Step 5: Layer with Ham

Sprinkle diced ham evenly into each muffin cup. Don’t hold back on this. The salty goodness will seep into every bite, enhancing that lovely flavor.

Step 6: Make the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, a little bit of salt, and half of your chopped parsley. Pour this mixture into each muffin cup, filling them generously, but don’t overflow.

Step 7: Top with Cheese Sauce

Now, it’s sauce time! Drizzle your creamy cheese sauce over each muffin cup. Feel free to do this generously! Sprinkle extra cheese on top for that glorious cheesy finish.

Step 8: Bake

Pop your muffin tray in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly puffed. The aroma will be irresistible.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once they’ve baked to perfection, allow your croque monsieur muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Expert tip: a slight nudge with a knife around the edges can help release them if they’re feeling sticky.

Recipe Notes

Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce serves as the heart of these muffins. The combination of Gruyère or aged Comté lends a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.

Bread

I recommend soft white bread for its ability to soak up the egg mixture and maintain a spongy texture. Leaving the crusts off gives the muffins a seamless bite.

Ham

Choosing quality ham can make a world of difference. Look for fresh, lean varieties without excessive salt. It enhances the flavors beautifully.

Eggs

The main bind for this dish, eggs create that wonderful custard texture and ensure every muffin is moist and flavorful.

Parsley

Herbs are a game-changer. Fresh parsley not only adds bright flavors but also gives the muffins a lovely visual appeal.

Recipe Variations

Want to experiment with your croque monsieur muffins? Here are some delectable variations you can try:

1. Veggie Delight: Swap out the ham for cooked mushrooms or spinach. Both add depth and flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Toss in some jalapeños or chili flakes into the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.
3. Different Meats: Swap ham for turkey or a thinly sliced smoked sausage. Each option brings its unique charm.
4. Cheese Choices: Try sharp cheddar or creamy fontina for a different flavor profile.
5. Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a vegan version of this dish.
6. Breakfast Muffins: Add cooked bacon or sausage links for a breakfast twist that holds together well.

Conclusion

Croque monsieur muffins are a delightful treat that mixes a traditional French approach with a modern twist. Their versatility leaves room for creativity, and they fit seamlessly into breakfasts, brunches, and snack times. You’ll find yourself reaching for these muffins again and again.

So why not give them a try? With a solid recipe, a few quality ingredients, and a knack for delightful cooking, you could transform a simple muffin into something extraordinary. 

Imagine the joy on your friends and family’s faces when they take that first, delicious bite. Cooking should be enjoyable and fulfilling—not to mention delicious! Now, let’s get those muffins baking!

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