I can still remember the first time I tasted a croque monsieur—a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that danced on my taste buds. It was at a quaint café in Paris, the kind that had more charm than space. I thought, “I could eat this every day!”
When I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s recipe for this classic French dish, my heart did a little flip. Jamie has a way of making cooking feel accessible and fun. His recipes are like a warm hug in cookbook form.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Croque Monsieur?
At its core, a croque monsieur is a decadent ham and cheese sandwich, often with a touch of béchamel sauce, topped with a heavenly melting cheese. Jamie Oliver gives this traditional recipe a gourmet spin.
He combines beautifully roasted turkey or ham with rich cheeses and layered flavors. The way he balances creamy and crunchy elements is a testament to his culinary expertise. With ingredients that sing, this dish becomes an instant favorite at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Jamie Oliver’s Croque Monsieur Recipe
So, why would you love making Jamie Oliver’s croque monsieur? Let me count the ways:
1. Simplicity: The recipe is straightforward, even for a novice cook. You can easily whip it up on a lazy Sunday or impress guests during a brunch gathering.
2. Flavor Explosion: Each bite combines savory turkey, nutty Gruyère, and tangy mustard. It’s a flavor bomb that transports you straight to a Parisian café.
3. Versatility: Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the turkey for mushrooms! Craving something different? Use different cheeses or spreads. The possibilities are endless.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: If you’re planning a brunch, you can prepare the bread and fillings in advance and assemble them right before baking. It makes hosting feel like a breeze.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, this dish wins hearts. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a fancy brunch, it never fails to impress.
The Ingredients
To bring this delicious recipe to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 400g of leftover roasted free-range turkey
- 50g of sautéed mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 40g of creamy unsalted butter
- 40g of all-purpose flour
- 400ml of whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of smooth Dijon mustard
- 100g of rich Stilton cheese
- 100g of nutty Gruyère cheese
- 8 slices of crusty white bread
- Tangy cranberry relish
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the process of crafting this delightful croque monsieur!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (or about 400°F). This will prepare a warm, toasty environment for your croque monsieur.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the oven is heating, gather all your ingredients. Chop your leftover turkey or ham into bite-sized pieces. If you’re adding mushrooms, make sure they’re sautéed until they’re golden brown. This step is crucial—the flavor they add is pure gold!
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling but not browned, whisk in the flour. Cook it for about a minute—this creates a roux. Slowly add the whole milk while whisking constantly. Your goal is a smooth, creamy consistency. Continue stirring until it thickens. Take it off the heat and mix in the Dijon mustard, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
Now, let’s get to the bread. Lightly toast your slices until they’re golden on both sides. This step helps prevent the sandwich from getting soggy and adds an incredible crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
On half of your toasted bread slices, layer the turkey or ham, followed by the sautéed mushrooms. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of Stilton and Gruyère cheese. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat for all slices.
Step 6: Add the Béchamel
Place the sandwiches on a baking tray. Pour the béchamel sauce over each sandwich, making it generous. Don’t be shy! Finally, sprinkle with extra cheese on top. Who doesn’t love a cheesy finish?
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Put the tray in your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. That heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step 8: Serve It Up
Once baked, let them cool for a moment before slicing. Serve with a spoonful of tangy cranberry relish for a delightful contrast. You can also add a side salad for some freshness.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking is an art, and a few tricks up your sleeve can transform a dish. Here are some tips for crafting the perfect croque monsieur:
- Choose good bread: A quality crusty bread holds everything together and adds flavor.
- Don’t skip the béchamel: This sauce adds a creamy element and elevates the sandwich.
- Use a mix of cheese: Mixing cheeses like Gruyère with Stilton offers complex flavors.
- Add more herbs: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can enhance the dish.
- Serve fresh: These sandwiches are best enjoyed hot from the oven!
Can I Store Jamie Oliver’s Croque Monsieur?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers, you can store them. Wrap them tightly in foil or a container. They can last up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, pop them back in the oven until hot and crispy. Just remember, freshly baked is still best!
What Can I Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Croque Monsieur?
Pairing makes all the difference. Here are some fantastic sides that complement this dish:
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette offsets the richness of the croque.
- Vegetable Soup: A warm soup, such as tomato or minestrone, can be comforting alongside.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun twist, serve with crispy sweet potato fries—they’re crowd-pleasers!
- Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickled veggies pairs well with your cheesy sandwich.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Seasonal fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
Variations
Here are some exciting twists on Jamie Oliver’s croque monsieur:
Mushroom & Spinach Variation: Substitute turkey with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty vegetarian option. Add a touch of garlic for flavor.
Mediterranean Delight: Use feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers. Drizzle with some olive oil before baking.
Smoky Bacon Bliss: Add crispy bacon slices for that smoky flavor. Pair it with Gruyère for the best combination.
Spicy Pepperoni Touch: Add slices of spicy pepperoni for a kick. The heat will balance wonderfully with the creamy cheeses.
Sweet and Savory: Spread a thin layer of honey on the inside of the bread. This adds a lovely sweetness that complements the cheese and turkey perfectly.
Conclusion
Making Jamie Oliver’s croque monsieur is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about enjoying a delicious journey in your own kitchen. Each step, from crafting the béchamel to baking the sandwiches, unfolds a delightful experience. The combination of crispy bread, melty cheese, and savory turkey creates a dish that warms the soul.
So gather your ingredients and embrace this culinary adventure. Whether you savor it alone or share it with loved ones, this croque monsieur will surely become a cherished recipe in your home. Bon appétit!
Jamie Oliver Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Description
I can still remember the first time I tasted a croque monsieur—a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that danced on my taste buds. It was at a quaint café in Paris, the kind that had more charm than space. I thought, "I could eat this every day!"
When I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s recipe for this classic French dish, my heart did a little flip. Jamie has a way of making cooking feel accessible and fun. His recipes are like a warm hug in cookbook form.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
-
First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (or about 400°F). This will prepare a warm, toasty environment for your croque monsieur.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
-
While the oven is heating, gather all your ingredients. Chop your leftover turkey or ham into bite-sized pieces. If you’re adding mushrooms, make sure they’re sautéed until they’re golden brown. This step is crucial—the flavor they add is pure gold!
Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce
-
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling but not browned, whisk in the flour. Cook it for about a minute—this creates a roux. Slowly add the whole milk while whisking constantly. Your goal is a smooth, creamy consistency. Continue stirring until it thickens. Take it off the heat and mix in the Dijon mustard, thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Prepare the Bread
-
Now, let’s get to the bread. Lightly toast your slices until they’re golden on both sides. This step helps prevent the sandwich from getting soggy and adds an incredible crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
-
On half of your toasted bread slices, layer the turkey or ham, followed by the sautéed mushrooms. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of Stilton and Gruyère cheese. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat for all slices.
Step 6: Add the Béchamel
-
Place the sandwiches on a baking tray. Pour the béchamel sauce over each sandwich, making it generous. Don’t be shy! Finally, sprinkle with extra cheese on top. Who doesn’t love a cheesy finish?
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
-
Put the tray in your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. That heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step 8: Serve It Up
-
Once baked, let them cool for a moment before slicing. Serve with a spoonful of tangy cranberry relish for a delightful contrast. You can also add a side salad for some freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 735kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 60g93%
- Saturated Fat 19.6g99%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 157mg53%
- Sodium 591mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 30g60%
* 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
- Choose good bread: A quality crusty bread holds everything together and adds flavor.
- Don’t skip the béchamel: This sauce adds a creamy element and elevates the sandwich.
- Use a mix of cheese: Mixing cheeses like Gruyère with Stilton offers complex flavors.
- Add more herbs: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can enhance the dish.
- Serve fresh: These sandwiches are best enjoyed hot from the oven!
