Caramelized Mushroom Croque-Monsieurs

i was at a women in tech event a couple of weeks ago. my main takeaway was how incongruent it seemed to talk about confidence and empowerment and equality, and then be handed a giftcard for uber, a place notorious for its mistreatment of the women in its workforce.

aside from that blunder, the other thing that stuck with me was how relatable the content about confidence and unapologeticness was. if someone on the bus is taking up too much room, i shrink into myself or towards the side of the bus, even though they're the one manspreading (or being oblivious). i come up with compromises when i suggest ideas, before any hint of feedback rolls in. sometimes i'm reluctant to be decisive, since i feel like it can come off too aggressive. i've downplayed my accomplishments, even to close friends, because i don't want to seem like i'm bragging. i noticed all these little hints before, but now they appear blaring, and i'm trying to catch myself before i do one of these things, and resist the urge. man, it's hard to undo a habit.

the above lessons could extend to these caramelized mushroom croque-monsieurs: they could be seen as just sandwiches, and that seems so reductive and weakening. especially when there's double cheese duty from stretchy, funky (not all the way to funkytown but close) gruyere to the nutty, slightly golden parmesan that crisps into the prettiest lace pattern when it sticks to the plate. did i mention that there's creaminess from a seriously quick mornay, complete with parmesan woven throughout? the ham is fair game for a usual sandwich, but the toothy mushrooms take it right back to saucy assemblage on crispy bread with cheese fricos status.

and if you want to elevate it even more, what about a croque-madame, which adds a fried egg on top? i personally find these caramelized mushroom croque-monsieurs plenty rich and hearty sans that runny yolk, but you do you.

if you want other carb-y brunch treats, how about some herbed feta and mushroom confit crostini or almond cherry bostock?

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Caramelized Mushroom Croque-Monsieurs

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

55 mins

 

The typical croque-monsieurs have ham, Gruyere and Mornay sauce, but these ones get fancy with some caramelized mushrooms.

Course: Brunch, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: French

Servings: 6 sandwiches

Calories: 747 kcal

Ingredients

Mornay Sauce

• 1 ½  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan

Assembly

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 8 ounces crimini or button mushrooms trimmed and sliced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 12 ⅓” thick slices bread egg or white bread works best
• 6-12 thin ham slices
• 12 ounces Gruyère thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Instructions

Mornay Sauce

1. Melt the butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until pale golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, then the bay leaf. Increase heat to medium-high; whisk until it begins to boil. Reduce heat to medium; stir until sauce coats back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.

Assembly

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onion; cook until the mushrooms and onions are dark and caramelized, stirring occasionally.

2. Spread the remaining butter over 1 side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Broil until golden, watching closely and rotating halfway through, about 3 minutes. Cool. Turn 6 slices over; top with ham, sliced cheese and mushrooms/onions. Top with remaining bread, broiled side up. Spread 2 tablespoons sauce on top, leaving ⅓” plain border. Sprinkle with the Parmesan.

3. Bake at 450F until cheese inside melts and cheese on top is golden, about 10 minutes. 

Recipe Notes

Adapted slightly from Marlena Spieler for Bon Appetit, March 2011.