Growing up, I had an insatiable curiosity about food. My kitchen adventures began with childhood memories of gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, the kind that left little fingerprints on the corners of my mom’s kitchen counter. Fast forward a few decades, and my obsession with sandwiches evolved. Enter the Croque Monsieur: a luxurious twist on a classic.
This delightfully cheesy, ham-filled creation originates from France. Picture layers of crispy bread seductively cloaked in a luscious béchamel sauce. Every bite transports you to a quaint Parisian café. Martha Stewart, the goddess of home cooking, has a recipe that embodies this delightful treat. So, grab your apron, and let’s bring a little French flair into your kitchen!
What Is Martha Stewart’s Croque Monsieur?
Martha Stewart’s Croque Monsieur recipe elevates the humble sandwich to a level fit for royalty. It features thick slices of brioche bread toasted to golden perfection, paired with savory baked ham, and crowned with a decadent smooth cheese sauce.
The magic lies in the béchamel made with butter, flour, and milk, blended with Gruyère cheese, creating a creamy and rich topping. It’s simplicity meets elegance, and every mouthful of this dish is a delightful juxtaposition of textures and flavors.
What Is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The Croque Monsieur explodes with contrasting flavors and textures. Picture the sweetness of toasted brioche: it’s crunchy on the outside while staying soft inside, creating a foundation for the dish. The ham adds a savory depth to each bite, enhanced by the nutty, earthy tones of Gruyère cheese.
The béchamel sauce? It’s where the real magic happens. Smooth, creamy, and slightly nutty, it brings everything together nicely. A hint of Dijon mustard interjects a subtle tang, and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg ties the whole flavor profile together, wrapping everything in warmth.
Why You’ll Love This?
Let’s be real. One bite of a Croque Monsieur transforms an ordinary day into a little celebration. You’re not just eating; you’re indulging in an experience.
Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
- Comfort Food Queen: This is a sandwich that wraps you in warmth, perfect for chilly days.
- Endless Versatility: Want to switch things up? You can add various cheeses or even layer in some sautéed mushrooms.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It looks classy, but the recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Make Ahead Bliss: Perfect for meal prep—who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients to create this masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 slices brioche, cut into ½-inch thick pieces and lightly toasted
- 6 ounces of thinly sliced baked ham
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the baking sheet
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded, plus 8 ounces, paper-thin slices
- Coarse sea salt
- Freshly ground white pepper
- A dash of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup sautéed shallots
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The warmth will create a cozy environment for your Croque Monsieur to bake and develop that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is frothy, whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it forms a paste. This is known as a roux and is the base for your béchamel sauce. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
Once thickened, stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese. Season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground white pepper, and a dash of nutmeg, followed by the tablespoon of Dijon mustard. That’s your luscious béchamel ready to take the lead!
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Grease a baking sheet with a bit of butter. Lay four slices of toasted brioche on the sheet. Top each slice with a generous layer of ham, followed by a slice of Gruyère cheese. Spread a little of the béchamel sauce on top of the cheese, making sure it’s all covered. Place the remaining slices of brioche on top to create a sandwich.
Step 4: Add more Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over each sandwich, ensuring they are all generously drenched. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top. Feel free to add extra cheese—because more cheese is always better!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the sandwiches for about 15-20 minutes in your preheated oven, or until the tops are bubbling and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Let Rest and Serve
Once done, let them cool slightly. This resting time allows the gooeyness to settle. Cut each sandwich in half, serve hot, and watch your family swoon.
Tips & Tricks
Here are five handy tips to ensure your Croque Monsieur is absolutely stellar:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread holds up better when grilled or baked. It prevents sogginess.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Mix Gruyère with some sharp cheddar for an extra punch.
- Take Your Time with the Sauce: Don’t rush your béchamel sauce. A slow approach makes it smoother.
- Try Different Meats: Substitute ham with turkey or chicken. Or amp up the flavor with prosciutto!
- Watch the Oven: Ovens vary. Check for golden-brown perfection a bit early to avoid overcooking.
How Can You Store This Martha Stewart Croque Monsieur Recipe?
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck. The Croque Monsieur can be stored in the refrigerator. Place the cooled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to three days.
To reheat, pop in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10–15 minutes, to maintain that crispy texture.
If Some Ingredients Are Not Available, What Are Some Alternative Choices You Can Consider?
No worries if you find yourself lacking some ingredients. Here are a few substitutions to consider:
- Bread: Challah or Sourdough – Both options will hold up nicely and add unique flavors.
- Cheese: Mozzarella or Fontina – These can give a pleasant stretch while still being delightful.
- Milk: Almond or Oat Milk – For a dairy-free option, these alternatives can work. Just go for unsweetened varieties.
Conclusion
Creating Martha Stewart’s Croque Monsieur recipe in your kitchen is more than just cooking; it’s about diving into culinary history and doing it with joy. Each step is designed to maximize flavor while offering a simple way to impress friends and family alike. The warmth of the sandwich dances on your taste buds, leaving smiles all around.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch or a delightful dinner, this dish brings a cozy sophistication to your table. I hope you try it, savor it, and let it find a place in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- Jamie Oliver Croque Monsieur Copycat Recipe
- How to Make Croque Monsieur Casserole
- Best Croque Monsieur Croissant Recipe
Martha Stewart Croque Monsieur Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Description
Before we dive into the fabulous world of the Croque Monsieur, let's chat about what pairs well with this exquisite French sandwich. Picture this: a plate of crisp, refreshing salad beside your warm sandwich. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would cut through the richness perfectly. Want something warm? A hearty tomato soup adds a nostalgic comfort, reminiscent of childhood lunches.
A glass of chilled white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a nice sparkling water can elevate your meal, enhancing the flavors of your Croque Monsieur.
Now, let's jump into the rich, cheesy goodness of Martha Stewart's Croque Monsieur recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
-
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The warmth will create a cozy environment for your Croque Monsieur to bake and develop that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
-
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is frothy, whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it forms a paste. This is known as a roux and is the base for your béchamel sauce. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
Once thickened, stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese. Season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground white pepper, and a dash of nutmeg, followed by the tablespoon of Dijon mustard. That’s your luscious béchamel ready to take the lead!
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
-
Grease a baking sheet with a bit of butter. Lay four slices of toasted brioche on the sheet. Top each slice with a generous layer of ham, followed by a slice of Gruyère cheese. Spread a little of the béchamel sauce on top of the cheese, making sure it's all covered. Place the remaining slices of brioche on top to create a sandwich.
Step 4: Add more Sauce and Cheese
-
Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over each sandwich, ensuring they are all generously drenched. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top. Feel free to add extra cheese—because more cheese is always better!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
-
Bake the sandwiches for about 15-20 minutes in your preheated oven, or until the tops are bubbling and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Let Rest and Serve
-
Once done, let them cool slightly. This resting time allows the gooeyness to settle. Cut each sandwich in half, serve hot, and watch your family swoon.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 611kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 36.4g56%
- Saturated Fat 15.4g77%
- Cholesterol 135mg45%
- Sodium 1500mg63%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 43g86%
* 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
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread holds up better when grilled or baked. It prevents sogginess.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Mix Gruyère with some sharp cheddar for an extra punch.
- Take Your Time with the Sauce: Don't rush your béchamel sauce. A slow approach makes it smoother.
- Try Different Meats: Substitute ham with turkey or chicken. Or amp up the flavor with prosciutto!
- Watch the Oven: Ovens vary. Check for golden-brown perfection a bit early to avoid overcooking.
