Ah, the joy of biting into a Croque Monsieur! There’s something undeniably enticing about the toasted bread, melty cheese, and savory ham all in one slice. This French classic has found its way into kitchens around the world, but Ina Garten’s rendition brings a unique twist that ensures every bite is comfort food at its finest.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I enjoy dissecting recipes to understand their appeal and how to make them healthier without sacrificing taste. Let’s explore this delightful dish together, shall we?
Ina Garten’s version of the Croque Monsieur stands out for its simplicity and the emphasis on quality ingredients. This iconic sandwich hails from France and traditionally features ham and Gruyère cheese layered between slices of bread, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. Ina’s recipe keeps this essence while introducing subtle flavors that make it special.
The magic happens when you add a touch of thyme and smoked paprika into the mix, which gives a fragrant lift to the comforting goodness of this sandwich. It’s like offering a warm hug to your taste buds, making it a beloved dish in any home.
The flavor profile of Croque Monsieur is an exquisite balance of salty, savory, and creamy. The Gruyère cheese provides a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, while the thick-cut Virginia ham adds a delightful saltiness. When you spread on the Dijon mustard, it introduces a tangy kick that brightens everything up.
The béchamel adds creaminess, which harmonizes with the melting cheese, and the addition of fresh thyme and smoked paprika really rounds out the overall taste. You’ve got buttery, crunchy bread encasing lush layers of flavor. It’s truly irresistible!
While there are plenty of variations of Croque Monsieur floating around, Ina's approach is distinctive in a few key ways. She focuses on high-quality ingredients, emphasizing the importance of freshly shredded cheese and thick-cut ham.
Another aspect is her method for the béchamel sauce. Instead of a standard flour and butter roux, her sauce incorporates warm milk, making it creamier and silkier. Plus, the herbs and spices she includes—like fresh thyme and smoked paprika—add bold flavors that are often overlooked in traditional recipes.
Each component is carefully selected to elevate the dish and provide depth. The emphasis on freshness and preparation shines through, making her recipe not just another sandwich but a gourmet experience you can whip up at home.
For the Sandwich:
For the Béchamel Sauce:
For Added Flavor:
Start your culinary adventure by trimming the crusts off the slices of soft white sandwich bread. You want them to be perfectly square for that classic Croque Monsieur look. Lay half the slices on a clean surface, and evenly spread a generous layer of baked Dijon mustard on each. Next, layer on the thick-cut Virginia ham, ensuring it covers the bread entirely.
Top each ham-laden slice with a heap of Gruyère cheese. Remember, we want the gooey goodness of cheese melting into every corner! Place another slice of bread on each sandwich to create a nice little package. Press down gently to combine the ingredients.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the creamy unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about two minutes until the mixture is lightly golden. Slowly add the warm milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until it thickens, which should take about five to seven minutes.
Once your sauce has thickened to the perfect consistency, season it with sea salt, black pepper, freshly grated nutmeg, thyme leaves, and smoked paprika. Stir well until it’s all mixed together and then remove from the heat.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your sandwiches get nice and crispy while the cheese melts to perfection.
In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Carefully add the assembled sandwiches, cooking until they are golden brown on both sides—about three to four minutes per side. You might have to do this in batches, depending on your skillet size!
Once they are nicely browned, transfer your sandwiches to a baking sheet. Pour the béchamel sauce over each sandwich, topping them generously. Sprinkle remaining Gruyère and grated Parmesan on top for extra cheesiness. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Slice those sandwiches in half to reveal the gooey goodness, and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.
When preparing this dish, there are a few handy strategies to keep in mind to ensure success:
If you can resist the temptation to devour them all in one go, this dish can be stored easily. Here’s how:
Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients at your fingertips. No problem! Here are some substitution ideas:
Making Ina Garten's Croque Monsieur is more than just preparing a sandwich; it's an experience that brings comfort and warmth. The combination of arcane flavors creates a rich tapestry of taste. From the first bite to the last crumb, you will understand why this dish has won the hearts of many.
It’s a fabulous meal for gatherings, celebrations, or just a quiet night in. Trust me; this recipe will have your friends and family asking for seconds! So grab those ingredients and let the culinary journey begin. Bon appétit!
Before we dive into the delicious world of Ina Garten’s Croque Monsieur, let’s chat about what goes well with this delightful dish. Croque Monsieur is rich and indulgent, so it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad. Picture fresh arugula tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the heaviness, balancing each bite perfectly.
Another fantastic pairing is a light tomato soup. The tang of the tomatoes complements the creamy cheese and ham. If you’re feeling adventurous, a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, can elevate this meal to something truly special.
Servings 7
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Barbara Brito is a Florida-based registered dietitian and the creator of Great Meal Recipes, where she shares nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make meals for home cooks of all skill levels. With a passion for creating wholesome dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor, Barbara draws inspiration from her love of family, food, and simple cooking. Her blog focuses on accessible recipes that bring joy and balance to the kitchen.