Croque-Monsieur Gratinated with Lardons and Goat Cheese
Introduction
Croque-Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that brings comfort and joy in every bite. This version, topped with crispy lardons and creamy goat cheese, takes it to another level of deliciousness. Perfect for a cozy meal at home, this recipe is simple and satisfying!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Croque-Monsieur Gratinated with Lardons and Goat Cheese is a great idea because it’s quick, tasty, and everyone loves cheese! It’s perfect for weekend brunches or even a special weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s an easy way to impress family and friends with a dish that feels fancy but is actually very simple to make.
How to Make Croque-Monsieur Gratinated with Lardons and Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bread
- 4 slices of ham
- 200g lardons
- 100g goat cheese, crumbled
- 100g grated cheese (like Gruyère)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 500ml milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nutmeg (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- In a pan, cook the lardons until crispy, then set them aside to cool.
- In the same pan, melt the butter, then add flour, cooking for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like.
- Now, assemble your sandwiches: spread some of the sauce on a slice of bread, layer with ham, crispy lardons, and crumbled goat cheese. Top it off with another slice of bread.
- Place the assembled sandwiches in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over them and sprinkle with the grated cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Croque-Monsieur Gratinated with Lardons and Goat Cheese
Serve this delicious sandwich hot from the oven. It’s great on its own or with a fresh side salad. A glass of white wine or sparkling water pairs well too!
How to Store Croque-Monsieur Gratinated with Lardons and Goat Cheese
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Croque-Monsieur Gratinated with Lardons and Goat Cheese
- Use day-old bread for a better texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese if goat cheese isn’t your favorite.
- For extra flavor, add a bit of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
Variation
You can turn this recipe into a Croque-Madame by adding a fried egg on top after baking. It’s a delightful twist!
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sandwiches and sauce ahead of time, then bake them just before serving. -
What kind of bread is best?
A sturdy bread, like sourdough or French bread, works best to hold all the yummy filling. -
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, or even roasted vegetables can be great alternatives.