Tropical Delight Croque Monsieur
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Tropical Delight Croque Monsieur. This gourmet twist on the classic French sandwich combines rich Gruyère cheese, savory ham, and fresh ingredients like tomatoes and avocado, all tantalizingly spiced with honey mustard and honey. Perfect for lunch or as a delightful snack, these sandwiches are grilled to golden perfection and then broiled for a melty finish. Serve them warm for a delightful culinary adventure that will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread
4 slices (cut thin)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (at room temperature)
honey mustard
2 tablespoons (for spreading)
gruyere cheese
4 slices (for layering)
ham
4 slices (thin (Virginia or black Forest))
honey
2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
tomatoes
4 slices (cut thin)
avocado
1/2 (peeled and sliced thin)
Instructions
1
Begin by optionally trimming the crusts from the bread slices for a more refined presentation.
2
Spread 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter on one side of each slice of bread generously.
3
On a clean work surface lined with wax paper, lay 2 slices of bread buttered side down.
4
Spread 1 tablespoon of honey mustard evenly across the unbuttered sides of both slices.
5
Layer each slice with a slice of Gruyère cheese, followed by 2 thin slices of ham.
6
Drizzle honey over the ham with a light touch to add sweetness and flavor.
7
Top the ham with thinly sliced tomatoes and avocado to elevate the taste and texture.
8
Complete the sandwiches by placing the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
9
Preheat your broiler to high while you prepare the sandwiches for frying.
10
In a heavy skillet, heat over medium heat, then carefully place one sandwich in the skillet.
11
Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
12
Once browned, top each sandwich with an additional slice of Gruyère cheese, then transfer the skillet to the broiler.
13
Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
14
Allow the sandwiches to cool slightly, then cut into halves or quarters and serve warm, garnished if desired.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Delight Croque Monsieur?
It is a gourmet Caribbean-inspired twist on the classic French sandwich featuring Gruyere cheese, ham, tomato, avocado, and honey mustard.
What kind of bread is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four slices of bread, which can be optionally trimmed of their crusts for a more refined presentation.
What type of cheese is best for this sandwich?
This recipe specifically uses Gruyere cheese for its rich flavor and excellent melting properties.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature.
What kind of ham should I use?
Thinly sliced Virginia or Black Forest ham is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How is the honey used in this recipe?
Honey is drizzled lightly over the ham to add a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
What vegetables are included in the Tropical Delight Croque Monsieur?
The sandwich is layered with thinly sliced tomatoes and fresh avocado.
How much honey mustard is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of honey mustard to spread on the bread.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the sandwich.
What is the first step in assembling the sandwich?
Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each bread slice and lay two slices buttered side down on wax paper.
Where is the honey mustard applied?
It is spread evenly across the unbuttered sides of the bottom bread slices.
What order are the ingredients layered?
Layer the cheese, followed by ham, then a drizzle of honey, and finally the tomatoes and avocado.
How is the top slice of bread positioned?
The remaining slices are placed on top with the buttered side facing upwards.
What temperature should the skillet be?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat to ensure the bread browns without burning.
How long do I cook the sandwich in the skillet?
Each side should be cooked for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Is the broiler used in this recipe?
Yes, the broiler is used to melt the final layer of cheese on top of the sandwich.
When do I add the final slice of Gruyere?
Once the sandwich is browned on both sides in the skillet, top it with an additional cheese slice before broiling.
How long should the sandwich be broiled?
Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and completely melted.
How should the sandwich be served?
Allow it to cool slightly, then cut into halves or quarters and serve warm.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There is 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this sandwich provide?
This recipe provides 15 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates?
The sandwich contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
How many ingredients are in the Tropical Delight Croque Monsieur?
There are 8 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a snack or a meal?
It is versatile and can be served as either a gourmet lunch or a satisfying snack.
What makes this flavor profile tropical?
The inclusion of avocado, honey, and honey mustard creates a vibrant, sweet, and creamy profile reminiscent of Caribbean cuisine.
Can I trim the crusts?
Yes, trimming the crusts is optional but recommended for a more refined look.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution during frying.
How do I prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be peeled and sliced thin for even layering.
Is this sandwich served hot or cold?
It is best served warm immediately after the cheese has melted under the broiler.