Tomato Croque Monsieur: A Delicious and Nutritious Snack for Kids and Adults
Tomato Croque Monsieur: A Delicious and Nutritious Snack for Kids and Adults
Nutrient-rich Tomato Croque Monsieur that Kids and Adults Will Love
I’ve made a creamy Croque Monsieur using tomato sauce that children love. It’s surprisingly simple and easy to make, and the taste is so appealing to kids! This dish is a delightful and nutritious snack.
Ingredients- 20g Butter
- 20g All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Milk (approx. 120ml)
- 1/4 cup Cream (approx. 60ml)
- 5 Mushrooms (e.g., button or cremini)
- 1/4 Onion
- 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce (store-bought, approx. 120ml)
- 2 slices Ham
- 2 slices Cheese (e.g., cheddar or provolone)
- 100g Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare and measure all your ingredients. Having everything ready beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2
Wash and thinly slice the onion and mushrooms. Slicing them thinly helps them incorporate beautifully into the sauce.
Step 3
In a small saucepan or skillet, melt 20g of butter over very low heat. It’s crucial to melt it slowly to prevent it from burning.
Step 4
Once the butter is completely melted, add 20g of all-purpose flour (equal to the butter by weight) and whisk vigorously with a whisk or spatula until no lumps remain. This step creates the roux for your béchamel sauce.
Step 5
This is the key step for a smooth béchamel. Keep the heat on low, stirring constantly to prevent the flour from browning or burning. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the raw flour smell disappears and it develops a nutty, toasted aroma.
Step 6
Gradually pour in the 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of cream while continuously whisking or stirring to ensure a lump-free, smooth sauce. Adding the liquid slowly is essential for achieving the right consistency.
Step 7
Once the milk and cream are incorporated, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Stir well to distribute them evenly throughout the sauce.
Step 8
Increase the heat to medium and continue to stir and cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spreadable. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 9
Prepare two slices of bread for your Croque Monsieur.
Step 10
Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce evenly over one slice of bread. Make sure to go almost to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 11
Place one slice of cheese and one slice of ham on top of the tomato sauce. Feel free to substitute the ham with other fillings if you like.
Step 12
Top with the second slice of bread, then generously spoon the warm béchamel sauce you prepared over it, ensuring it covers the bread completely.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle 100g of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the béchamel sauce. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it!
