Italian Croque Monsieur: A Tasty Twist on a French Classic

The classic Croque Monsieur is a beloved French sandwich, known for its golden, crispy exterior and rich, cheesy interior. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish, typically made with ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce. However, what if you could give this traditional sandwich a delicious Italian twist? Enter the Italian Croque Monsieur: a perfect fusion of French sophistication and Italian flavor.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make this scrumptious variation, swapping out a few ingredients to add a Mediterranean flair. With the addition of Italian cheeses, prosciutto, and a few fresh herbs, this version of the classic is sure to elevate your sandwich game.

Why Choose an Italian Twist?

The beauty of the original Croque Monsieur lies in its simplicity, but adding Italian ingredients brings a whole new layer of flavor to the dish. Here’s why the Italian version is so irresistible:

• Italian Cheeses: While Gruyère is the classic cheese for a Croque Monsieur, Italian cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan add richness, creaminess, and a touch of sharpness.
• Prosciutto: Instead of the traditional ham, prosciutto—Italian dry-cured ham—adds a sweet-salty depth that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
• Fresh Herbs and Tomato: Adding basil and sun-dried tomatoes brings brightness and complexity, making each bite even more satisfying.

This Italian-inspired sandwich is the perfect combination of crunchy, gooey, savory, and aromatic flavors, making it ideal for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner.

Ingredients

For this Italian twist on the classic Croque Monsieur, gather the following ingredients:

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices of thick-cut white or country bread (or Italian bread like ciabatta)
• 4 slices of prosciutto
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh, shredded or sliced)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh basil leaves (about 6-8)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Bechamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

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