Rarebit Croque Monsieur: A Classic Dish with a Twist
Rarebit Croque Monsieur is a delightful fusion of two iconic dishes: the rich and hearty Welsh Rarebit and the beloved French Croque Monsieur. Combining the best of British and French culinary traditions, this recipe is a sophisticated twist on the classic ham-and-cheese sandwich, making it perfect for a comforting yet elevated meal at home.
What is Croque Monsieur?
The Croque Monsieur, a staple of French cafés, dates back to the early 20th century. This toasted sandwich is traditionally made with ham, Gruyère or Emmental cheese, and béchamel sauce, all melted to perfection on hearty bread. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The name “Croque Monsieur” comes from the French verb “croquer,” meaning “to crunch,” which refers to the sandwich’s golden, crispy exterior.
The Welsh Rarebit Twist
Welsh Rarebit, a classic dish from the UK, is essentially a glorified cheese-on-toast but with a savory sauce made from melted cheese, mustard, and ale or milk. The dish dates back to the 18th century and is often seen as a comforting, pub-style meal. Its deep, cheesy flavor profile brings a bold, tangy twist to the more delicate Croque Monsieur.
When combining the two, Rarebit Croque Monsieur elevates the traditional French sandwich with the robust flavours of Welsh Rarebit, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
How Rarebit Croque Monsieur Stands Out
This fusion of flavours creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also exciting for those who love exploring different culinary traditions. The creamy béchamel from the Croque Monsieur, paired with the mustardy sharpness of the Welsh Rarebit sauce, results in a rich, mouth-watering sandwich that’s crunchy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside.
It’s a recipe perfect for those who want to enjoy café-quality food at home, guided by professional chefs to ensure every bite is restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re serving this for a Sunday brunch or a cozy dinner, the Rarebit Croque Monsieur is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love Rarebit Croque Monsieur
If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy sandwiches, Rarebit Croque Monsieur offers a perfect blend of flavours from two countries. This chef-led recipe is easy to follow and will transport your taste buds to the cozy cafés of France and the comforting pubs of the UK. Plus, with the added twist of Welsh Rarebit, this dish is sure to become a new favorite for your home-cooked meals.
PrintRarebit Croque Monsieur
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 90ml milk
- 35ml cream infused
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp peppercorns
- 50g Butter
- 50g plain flour
- 125g beer – Pale Ale or Guinness
- 250g Montgomery cheddar
- Heaped tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 60ml (or 4tbsp) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 2 egg yolks
- Salt and pepper
- 8 slices thick cut white bread
- Good sliced ham- enough for four sandwiches
Instructions
- Heat the milk and cream together with the onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse while you make a roux.
- Melt the butter in a heavy-based pan, stir in the flour and cook gently for 2-3 minutes
- Strain the milk and add to the beer. Whisk this mixture into the roux a little at a time, keeping the sauce smooth. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add the Worcestershire sauce, 200g of the cheese, mustard and red wine vinegar followed by the egg yolks then a good grinding of black pepper. Beat well. Check for salt and add if needed. Also add any more mustard and Worcestershire sauce – you are looking for a strongly-flavoured, thick, piquant béchamel.
- Leave to cool.
- Lightly toast the bread on both sides, smear four of the slices with the cooled, thickened sauce and place a slice of ham on top, put the other slices of toast on that, more sauce and top with the rest of the sauce and reserved grated cheese.
- Put the whole thing on a baking sheet and grill until golden and bubbling.
