Introduction
Croque Auvergnat is a regional twist on the classic Croque Monsieur, featuring Bleu d'Auvergne cheese, a pungent and creamy blue cheese from the Auvergne region in France. This sandwich combines the salty richness of ham with the bold flavor of the blue cheese, and the added béchamel sauce makes it extra indulgent. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a perfect crispy finish and a hint of smokiness.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of thick-cut white bread or sourdough
- 8 slices of ham (Parisian or smoked)
- 6 oz Bleu d'Auvergne cheese (or other blue cheese)
- Optional: Gruyere cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tbsp butter (for grilling)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Start by lighting the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches a moderate temperature, ideal for grilling the sandwich and making the béchamel sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a small grill-safe pan or saucepan on the flat cooktop, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. For an extra cheesy béchamel, stir in the grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Croque Auvergnat
Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of ham on 4 of the slices, and add crumbled Bleu d'Auvergne cheese on top of the ham. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of béchamel sauce over the cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Melt butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Place the assembled sandwiches onto the hot surface and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Hint: The blue cheese can get really runny if it gets too hot so don't overcook it. Also, you can use Gruyere cheese as a base and add some of the Bleu d'Auvergne cheese for a milder flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Once the sandwiches are grilled and the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove them from the grill. Serve immediately with a side of green salad, French fries, or pickles for a complete bistro-style meal.
Tips
- Cheese Options: If you can’t find Bleu d'Auvergne, use another blue cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola for a similar flavor.
- Extra Crisp: Press the sandwiches gently with a spatula while grilling for extra crispy bread.
- Balanced Flavor: The mustard adds a nice tang to balance the richness of the blue cheese.
Variations
- Croque Auvergnat Madame: Add a fried egg on top of the sandwich to turn it into a Croque Madame.
- Herb-Crusted Croque: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the béchamel sauce for an herby twist.
- Spicy Croque Auvergnat: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the béchamel for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Croque Auvergnat: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian version.
- Truffle Croque Auvergnat: Drizzle a little truffle oil over the sandwich for a luxurious touch.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries for a balanced meal.
- Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a full-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the strong flavors of the cheese.
Conclusion
Grilled Croque Auvergnat is a bold, flavorful twist on the classic French sandwich. The combination of tangy blue cheese, savory ham, and creamy béchamel makes for an indulgent, satisfying meal. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a smoky flavor and a perfect golden crust, making this sandwich a gourmet treat.
