croque monsieur pizza

2. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
• Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the outer edges of the pizza dough with olive oil to help it get golden and crispy when baked.

3. Assemble the Croque Monsieur Pizza:

• Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
• Evenly distribute the ham slices or diced ham across the pizza.
• Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses over the ham, ensuring that the pizza is well-covered with cheese.

4. Bake the Pizza:

• Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
• If you like a crispier top, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Croque Monsieur Pizza

1. Use High-Quality Cheese: Gruyère is the star of this dish, adding a rich and nutty flavor. For the best result, opt for freshly grated cheese to ensure it melts beautifully.
2. Make It Extra Crispy: If you like a crispy pizza, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before placing the pizza dough on it. This will help the bottom of the pizza crisp up faster.
3. Add a Touch of Dijon Mustard: If you want to give the pizza a little more kick, drizzle some Dijon mustard over the béchamel sauce before adding the ham. This will mimic the tangy flavor found in the traditional Croque Monsieur.
4. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings! You can add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a fried egg on top to make it even more decadent.
5. Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can make the béchamel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before spreading it on the pizza.

Why You’ll Love Croque Monsieur Pizza

• Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s the perfect combination of rich, creamy béchamel, savory ham, and gooey cheese—all on top of a crispy pizza crust.
• Easy to Make: While the béchamel sauce might seem fancy, it’s actually quick and simple to make. This pizza is straightforward and fun to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or a gathering, the combination of classic French flavors with pizza is a guaranteed winner.
• Versatile: While this recipe sticks to the classic ham and cheese combo, you can easily swap the ham for other ingredients, such as bacon, prosciutto, or turkey, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Croque Monsieur Pizza is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, offering the rich, indulgent flavors of the classic French sandwich in a fun, new pizza form. With a crispy crust, creamy béchamel sauce, savory ham, and melted cheese, this pizza is bound to become a new favorite in your household.

Next time you’re craving something comforting yet different, give this Croque Monsieur Pizza a try—you won’t be disappointed!