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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 (135g) Recipe makes 4 servings The following items or measurements are not included below: 4 slices ham
Calories 488
Calories from Fat 325		(66%)
Amount Per Serving		%DV
	Total Fat 36.2g	55%
	Saturated Fat 21.0g	104%
	Monounsaturated Fat 10.1g
	Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
	Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 197mg		65%
Sodium 632mg		26%
Potassium 112mg		3%
Total Carbohydrate 25.6g		8%
	Dietary Fiber 1.2g	4%
	Sugars 2.5g
Protein 15.6g		31%
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The Classic French Bistro Sandwich - Croque Monsieur

Recipe #234010 | 20 min | 5 min prep | add private note

⁽²⁰⁾ RATE IT NOW Print Recipe

By: French Tart
Jun 11, 2007

My two versions of this classic French café/bistro sandwich - oven baked for large quantities and ease.......or, the traditional frying pan/skillet method! You can always rely upon the French to add a certain "je ne sais quoi" to even the simplest food ...including the humble cheese and ham sandwich. The croque-monsieur (which becomes a croque-madame if you top it with a fried egg) is a great favourite in French cafés & bistros, and there are as many methods of crafting it as there are cafés! This one works for me. But, please be warned ... it's not for calorie-counters, the Cholesterol Police or those of a nervous disposition!!

SERVES 4 , 4 Croque Monsieur (change servings and units)

Ingredients

8 slices white bread
4 ounces butter, softened
4 slices ham
4 slices gruyere cheese
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
salt
fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1
Spread the bread with some of the softened butter, make 4 sandwiches, each with one slice of ham and one slice of cheese. Press them firmly together.
2
Beat the eggs with the water, add the salt and pepper to taste, and dip the sandwiches into the egg mixture, coating all sides well.
3
Heat the rest of the butter in a heavy- bottomed frying pan/skillet, when it has melted and is very hot - but not brown, fry the sandwiches for about 5 - 8 minutes, turning once.
4
Serve immediately.
5
If you prefer, although it is not traditional, you may place the croque-monsieur into a very well-buttered baking pan and bake in a moderately hot oven - 175°C/350°F - turning once, for about 10 to 15 minutes. It is easier to prepare a larger number this way and keep them warm until you are ready to serve them.

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Featured Reviews for This Recipe

From: Realtor by day, Chef by night

On Jul 30, 2009

Yummy! This was a great sandwich! The egg made it somewhat different and special. I added garlic to my egg. I'll be making this again. Thanks for all you have done to make Everyday's a Holiday special.

0 people found this review helpful

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From: Lavender Lynn

On Jul 13, 2009

This is a recipe that is really enjoyed by my family. My Daughter made this for ZWT5 and today was made for her and bunch of her friends for a special lunch. Made to honor French Tart for all the wonderful things she does.

1 person found this review helpful

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From: Jen T

On Dec 10, 2007

These were great for using up some ham off the bone. I also added in some slices of avocado & some freshly ground black pepper. A very filling Sunday evening quick meal. A keeper for us

3 people found this review helpful

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From: Santa Ynez Valley Chef

On Nov 15, 2007

I've made this a couple of times for my wife and daughters and we absolutely love it! My 2 1/2 year old doesn't usually eat at dinner time, but she will eat this sandwich. We have used a mix of 4 cheeses (Parmesan, Asiago, Fontina, and provolone) and they are divine. We've used this blend b/c it's what we've had on hand. I can't wait to try it with the gruyere! Thanks for the heart attack on bread!

3 people found this review helpful

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