Savory Tomato & Gruyère Croque Monsieur
Indulge in this rich and savory vegetarian take on the classic French Croque Monsieur, featuring juicy, ripe tomatoes melded with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, all enveloped in gooey Gruyère cheese. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the golden-brown exterior, perfectly balanced by the creamy cheese and the vibrant tomato filling. Ideal for a leisurely lunch, elegant snacks, or even as charming canapés for your next gathering, this dish beautifully complements a glass of your favorite red or white wine. Elevate your dining experience with this sophisticated yet straightforward recipe that’s sure to impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Tomatoes
2 lbs (peeled, seeded, juiced, and coarsely chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Basil leaves
2 tablespoons (minced)
Dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (Italian flavored preferred)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
White bread
12 slices (crusts trimmed if desired)
Gruyère cheese
4-6 ounces (thinly sliced)
Oil
2 teaspoons (for frying)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Tomato & Gruyère Croque Monsieur?
This dish is a rich and savory vegetarian adaptation of the classic French Croque Monsieur, featuring tomatoes, garlic, basil, and gooey Gruyère cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this version of the Croque Monsieur is specifically designed as a vegetarian take on the traditional recipe.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 ounces of thinly sliced Gruyère cheese.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 2 lbs of tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, juiced, and coarsely chopped.
What type of bread is used?
The recipe uses 12 slices of white bread, with the crusts trimmed if desired.
What aromatic ingredients are included?
The filling is flavored with two minced garlic cloves and two tablespoons of minced fresh basil leaves.
Do I need breadcrumbs for this sandwich?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs, with Italian flavored breadcrumbs being the preferred choice.
How is the sandwich cooked?
The sandwiches are fried in 2 teaspoons of oil until they achieve a golden-brown exterior.
What are the suggested serving occasions for this dish?
It is ideal for a leisurely lunch, elegant snacks, or even as sophisticated canapés for gatherings.
What beverage pairs well with this Croque Monsieur?
This dish beautifully complements a glass of your favorite red or white wine.
What is the flavor profile of the filling?
The filling is a vibrant blend of juicy tomatoes, pungent garlic, and fresh basil balanced by creamy cheese.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust it to your personal taste.
What kind of pepper is used?
Fresh ground black pepper is added to taste.
How much oil is needed for frying?
Only 2 teaspoons of oil are required for the frying process.
Can I remove the crusts from the bread?
Yes, trimming the crusts is optional based on your preference.
What gives the sandwich its crunch?
The golden-brown exterior created during frying, combined with the dry breadcrumbs in the filling, provides a delightful crunch.
Is this a traditional French recipe?
It is a vegetarian variation of a classic French cuisine staple.
How many slices of bread does this recipe require?
This recipe requires a total of 12 slices of white bread.
How much garlic is used?
Two cloves of minced garlic are used to season the tomato mixture.
What is the texture of the cheese when served?
The Gruyère cheese becomes gooey and melted, enveloping the tomato filling.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 key ingredients used in this Savory Tomato & Gruyère Croque Monsieur.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served as charming and sophisticated canapés.
Is Gruyère the only cheese used?
Yes, Gruyère is the primary cheese specified to provide the classic flavor.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced fresh basil leaves.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, cheesy, and satisfying nature.
What is the suggested preparation for the breadcrumbs?
The recipe suggests using Italian flavored dry breadcrumbs.
What is the primary vegetable ingredient?
The primary vegetable ingredient is 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes.
How is the garlic prepared?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the recipe.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
The description notes it is a sophisticated yet straightforward recipe.
What is the main highlight of this Croque Monsieur version?
The highlight is the combination of juicy, ripe tomatoes with aromatic herbs and melted Gruyère.