Hey, friends! Today I’m sharing a twist on a classic French recipe that you’re going to love: the Croque Monsieur Recipe. This version has a bit of California flair with some smashed avocado and green pesto, plus it’s packed with the goodness of NI cheddar and fresh rocket. You can even add some ham if you’re in the mood for extra flavor! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner during lockdown, and the best part? It’s so easy to make!

Method in Detail

First, toasting the sourdough slices is the essential step to start this Croque Monsieur. Toast the bread slices in your toaster until they’re golden brown and crispy. The toasting adds that perfect crunch that makes the sandwich so delightful. Once toasted, carefully butter both sides of each slice. This is crucial, as it helps lock in the flavor and adds richness to the bread. The butter creates a lovely crispiness when grilled, giving the sandwich its signature texture. Make sure to coat the slices evenly, but not too thickly, to avoid sogginess.

Next, take your green pesto and spread a generous tablespoon on the bottom slice of sourdough, right on top of the butter. This is where the California twist kicks in, adding a fresh and vibrant flavor. The pesto complements the creamy cheese and other ingredients, creating a balanced, zesty layer.

Now, it’s time to layer on the fillings. Start with fresh rocket and scatter it across the pesto-covered slice. Rocket adds a peppery bite that contrasts wonderfully with the rich cheese. Next, place sundried tomatoes on top for a tangy, slightly sweet punch of flavor. Add the slices of cheddar cheese to create a gooey, melty layer that will make your sandwich irresistibly cheesy. If you’re choosing to include ham, place the slices underneath the cheddar to ensure they heat up evenly and add a savory depth to the sandwich.

Once the sandwich is assembled, place it under the grill for about 3 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt beautifully and start bubbling. You’re looking for the cheese to soften, and the edges of the bread to get a crisp golden color. The grill helps to evenly melt the cheese and crisp up the bread, creating that perfect contrast of textures.

After the first round of grilling, remove the sandwich and add the top slice of sourdough. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the top slice for a tangy kick that enhances the flavor profile. Then, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. This is the final step before you send the sandwich back under the grill. The extra cheddar will melt over the top, creating a golden, crispy, cheesy crust.

Pop the sandwich back under the grill for another 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, and you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese has fully melted, and the bread is crunchy and golden brown. The result is a perfect, crispy Croque Monsieur with melted cheese, zesty pesto, and the option of delicious ham.

Necessary Tools

Toaster
Grill or oven
Butter knife
Spoon for spreading pesto
Grater for cheese
Baking tray (if using oven)
Knife to slice avocado and sundried tomatoes

Californian Style Croque Monsieur Recipe

Recipe by Simon Davies

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

4 x slices of sourdough bread
4 x slices of NI cheddar (For inside the toastie)
30g grated NI cheddar (For the top of the toastie)
2 x tablespoons NI butter
1 x tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 x tablespoon green pesto
1 x smashed or sliced avocado
Fresh rocket
Sundried tomatoes
2 x slices of ham (optional)

Directions

Start by toasting your sourdough slices in the toaster until they’re golden brown.
Once toasted, butter both sides of each slice. This gives the toast a lovely rich flavor and helps it crisp up in the grill.
Spread some green pesto on the bottom slice, right on top of the butter. This is where the California vibes start!
Top with fresh rocket, sundried tomatoes, and slices of cheddar cheese. If you want to add ham, place the slices under the cheddar at this point.
Place the sandwich under the grill for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt and get bubbly.
Take it out and add the top slice with Dijon mustard spread on it. Then sprinkle the 30g of grated cheddar on top of the sandwich.
Pop it back under the grill until everything is golden and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, and the bread has that irresistible crunch!

Notes

When buttering the bread, make sure not to add too much butter, or it might become soggy. A light layer is perfect for that crispy texture.
Keep an eye on the sandwich while it’s under the grill. Depending on your grill or oven, it can burn quickly! A few minutes should be enough to get that lovely golden color and melted cheese.
If you’re using ham, make sure the slices aren’t too thick, or they might not heat up properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
For a lighter version, try serving the Croque Monsieur with a side of fresh fruit or vegetable sticks.
Pair it with a cold glass of sparkling water or your favorite soda for a refreshing touch.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the Croque Monsieur is one of the most popular dishes in France? It’s considered the ultimate comfort food, and it’s often served in French cafés for lunch. If you add a fried egg on top, it’s called a Croque Madame. Yum!

Conclusion

This Californian Style Croque Monsieur is an easy, delicious, and customizable twist on a French classic. Whether you’re making it with or without ham, this toasty, cheesy treat is perfect for any day when you want something warm and satisfying. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do trust me, it’s going to become a go-to in your recipe book!