Introduction
The Mushroom Croque-Monsieur is a delectable French dish that brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms and Gruyère cheese, complemented by the rich, buttery texture from traditional bread. It’s an indulgent twist on the classic Croque Monsieur, offering a savory experience for those who appreciate refined tastes in their culinary endeavors.
Tips for this recipe
To achieve the perfect Mushroom Croque-Monsieur: ensure your mushrooms are dry before sautéing to prevent steaming; use a non-stick skillet when searing cheese on top of the sandwiches for an even, golden crust. Handling butter and eggs carefully is key to maintain texture in your dish.
Why you will love this recipe
Mushroom Croque-Monsieur offers a delightful fusion of flavors that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous food lovers. The combination of tender mushrooms, rich Gruyère cheese, and crisp bread creates an irresistible dish that’s perfect for brunches or any special occasion, promising satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons butter (divided)
1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Hot pepper sauce (to taste)
1 8-ounce package crimini mushrooms (trimmed)
7 tablespoons butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons minced shallot
12 3/4-inch-thick slices egg bread
6 thin ham slices
12 ounces Gruyère cheese; 9 ounces thinly sliced and 3 ounces grated
Grater, Mandoline Slicer, Sauté Pan (Non-Stick), Cheese Grater, Cast Iron Skillet (12-Inch), Non-Stick Cookie Sheet, Measuring Cup (1 cup), Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set, Silicone Spatula
History of the recipe
The Croque Monsieur is a quintessential French dish that first appeared in the 19th century. It typically features bread, ham, and cheese, but with our innovative twist, we’ve added mushrooms to honor its evolution into something distinctly delicious. By incorporating Gruyère cheese and a touch of hot pepper sauce, the Mushroom Croque-Monsieur pays homage to classic French cuisine while introducing an exciting new flavor profile that has quickly become popular worldwide.
Fun facts about this recipe
Did you know that the original Croque Monsieur is said to have been inspired by a Parisian bistro’s misheard order for “croquettes”? Similarly, our Mushroom variation reflects how classic dishes can be reimagined with new ingredients. The inclusion of mushrooms not only adds depth to the flavor but also brings in an element that resonates with contemporary culinary trends focusing on plant-based and rich umami tastes.
Adviced equipments
To craft the perfect Mushroom Croque-Monsieur, you will need: a Digital Food Scale for precise ingredient measurement; a Mandoline Slicer to achieve uniform mushroom slices and egg bread thickness; a Non-Stick Sauté Pan for optimal heat distribution during cooking; a Cheese Grater for fresh cheese preparation; a Cast Iron Skillet, ideal for its even heating properties and durability in baking the Croque Monsieur; and additional items such as a Measuring Cup, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set, Silicone Spatula, Digital Food Scale, Non-Stick Cookie Sheet (for optional use), Grater, Mandoline Slicer, and Cast Iron Skillet.