Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur
Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur is a delightful twist on the classic French sandwich. It combines layers of ham and cheese between slices of crispy, buttery bread, all baked until golden. This dish is perfect for a cozy lunch or a comforting dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it is simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days. Second, the combination of flavors is incredibly satisfying, with the melted cheese and hearty ham bringing joy to your taste buds. Lastly, it’s easily customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences.
How to Make Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 cup of grated cheese
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for spreading
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side, spread Dijon mustard.
- Layer ham and Gruyère cheese on four slices of bread and top with the other slices (buttered side outside).
- In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Place the sandwiches in a baking dish and pour the egg mixture over them.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur
Serve your Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur warm, with a side salad or some pickles for a fresh crunch. This dish pairs nicely with a cup of soup as well.
How to Store Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur
If you have leftovers, let the sandwiches cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
Tips to Make Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur
- Use high-quality bread for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like tomatoes or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
- Make sure your butter is soft for easy spreading.
Variation
You can switch up the type of cheese to suit your taste. Try using cheddar or mozzarella instead of Gruyère. You can also use turkey or chicken slices instead of ham for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sandwiches and keep them in the fridge. Just bake them when you are ready to eat.
Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A: No, this recipe includes ham. You can make it vegetarian by omitting the ham or substituting it with vegetables.
Q: Can I freeze Gratinated Mountain Croque-Monsieur?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sandwiches before baking. Just make sure to wrap them well, and bake them from frozen when you are ready to enjoy.