Croque Monsieur Recipe From It’s Complicated
Hi there, I’m Ava and I’m an expert in cooking recipes.
Today, I’m going to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – Croque Monsieur from the movie It’s Complicated.
This classic French sandwich is not only delicious but also easy to make.
So, get ready to indulge in the cheesy, crispy goodness of Croque Monsieur!
Interesting Facts About Croque Monsieur
- Croque Monsieur originated in French cafés and bistros in the early 1900s.
- The name Croque Monsieur roughly translates to Mister Crunchy.
- It is made with ham, cheese, and bread, and is typically served hot.
- Croque Monsieur is often served with a béchamel sauce and is sometimes topped with a fried egg.
What You’ll Need
- 8 slices of white bread
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
How to Make Croque Monsieur
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Lay out 8 slices of bread on a baking sheet.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on each slice of bread.
4. Top each slice with a slice of ham and a slice of Gruyere cheese.
5. Place another slice of bread on top of each sandwich.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the sandwiches are crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. While the sandwiches are baking, make the béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
8. Remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
9. Spoon the béchamel sauce over each sandwich and serve hot.
My Experience Making Croque Monsieur
I first tried Croque Monsieur when I was studying abroad in France.
It quickly became one of my favorite French dishes.
When I saw the movie It’s Complicated and saw Meryl Streep’s character making Croque Monsieur, I knew I had to try making it at home.
I followed the recipe exactly and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to make.
The béchamel sauce was a bit tricky at first, but once I got the hang of it, it came out perfectly creamy and delicious.
I prefer to serve Croque Monsieur with a side of salad or soup for a complete meal.
Expert Tips
- Use a good quality bread for the sandwiches, such as a French baguette or sourdough bread.
- Make sure to evenly spread the butter on each slice of bread to ensure that the sandwiches are crispy and golden brown.
- Be patient when making the béchamel sauce and whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
- If you want to make Croque Madame, simply top each sandwich with a fried egg before serving.
FAQs
What is the origin of Croque Monsieur?
Croque Monsieur originated in French cafés and bistros in the early 1900s.
What cheese is used in Croque Monsieur?
Gruyere cheese is traditionally used in Croque Monsieur, but you can use any type of cheese that melts well.
What is the difference between Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame?
Croque Madame is a variation of Croque Monsieur that includes a fried egg on top of the sandwich.