Ultimate Croque-Monsieur Gratiné with Goat Cheese & Crispy Lardons – A French Classic Reinvented!
Craving something rich, cheesy, and irresistibly French? This Croque-Monsieur Gratiné takes the beloved classic to the next level — stuffed with creamy goat cheese, smoky lardons, and topped with a golden, bubbly gratin crust. The perfect comfort food that’s crispy on the outside, melty on the inside!
Ingredients (Serves 2 – makes 2 sandwiches)
- 4 slices of thick white sandwich bread (pain de mie)
- 4 slices of deli ham (preferably French-style jambon blanc)
- 1 log of goat cheese (approx. 200g), sliced into rounds
- 100g smoked lardons or diced bacon
- 20g unsalted butter (for spreading)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra zing)
- 100g grated cheese (Emmental, Gruyère, or a cheese blend)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A few tablespoons of heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the lardons
In a dry skillet over medium heat, cook the lardons until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the bread
Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the opposite side, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using).
Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches
On the mustard side of two bread slices, layer:
- 1 slice of ham
- A few rounds of goat cheese
- A sprinkle of crispy lardons
- A bit of grated cheese
- A dash of black pepper
Top each with another slice of bread (buttered side facing out).
Step 4: Pan-sear the sandwiches
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan.
Step 5: Turn it into a gratin!
Place the sandwiches in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Top each with:
- More goat cheese
- A spoonful of heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional but highly recommended)
- A generous amount of grated cheese
- A pinch of nutmeg
Step 6: Broil until golden
Preheat your oven’s broiler to 200°C (400°F). Place the dish on the middle rack and broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a light green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- For a brunch twist, add a fried or poached egg on top to turn it into a Croque-Madame.
- Pair with a glass of cold white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Optional Variations
- Swap lardons for crispy pancetta or turkey bacon.
- Add a few slices of roasted tomato or caramelized onions between the layers.
- Use Camembert or blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Fun Fact:
The name Croque-Monsieur literally means “Mister Crunch.” This French bistro classic dates back to early 20th-century Paris and remains a favorite comfort food across France.
Why This Recipe Works
- Golden, cheesy crust that’s hard to resist
- Creamy, flavorful filling with texture
- Perfect balance between salty, tangy, and creamy