Vegetarian Croque Monsieur Vermont

Vegetarian Croque Monsieur Vermont

Classic DishCroque Monsieur

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 18 min. A delightful vegetarian twist on the classic, swapping ham for thinly sliced, pan-fried king oyster mushrooms and adding a touch of nutmeg to the béchamel for earthy depth. This unique creation retains the rich cheese and creamy sauce appeal of the traditional French favorite, offering a satisfying and sophisticated meat-free option.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
18 min
Total time
38 min
Servings
2

Instructions

Prepare Béchamel Sauce

  1. 1Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. 2Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  3. 3Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Prepare Mushrooms

  1. 1Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced king oyster mushrooms and pan-fry until golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2Season mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble and Bake

  1. 1Preheat your broiler or oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on one side of each bread slice. Layer the pan-fried mushrooms on two of the bread slices.
  3. 3Top the mushrooms with a generous amount of grated emmentaler cheese.
  4. 4Place the remaining two bread slices, béchamel-side down, on top to form sandwiches.
  5. 5Butter the outside of each sandwich. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet.
  6. 6Broil for 3-5 minutes, or bake for 10-15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition Information

Calories
650 kcal
Protein
25 g
Fat
35 g
Carbs
55 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories650 kcal
Protein25 g
Fat35 g
Carbs55 g

Tips

  • Ensure mushrooms are sliced uniformly for even cooking and texture in your sandwich, enhancing the meat-free appeal.
  • Adjust broiler heat and watch closely during the final stage to achieve a perfectly golden crust without scorching.
  • Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor, allowing the rich béchamel and melted cheese to be enjoyed at their best.

By Chef Michael Ilin