The plancha grill is not only used to cook large pieces of meat or grilled vegetables. Its cooking plate is also perfect for reinterpreting the classics of French cuisine. Among them, the croque-monsieur holds a special place thanks to its quick preparation and incredible indulgence.
Cooking on a grill plancha brings an incomparable crispy texture to the bread while allowing the cheese to melt gradually. Paired with a homemade béchamel, this recipe becomes a true delight to share during a lunch on the terrace or a convivial meal around the fire.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
- Un brasero plancha COEO
- Une spatule inox
- A saucepan
- A whisk
- A chopping board
- A cooking dome (optional)
Number of people : 4
Preparation time : 15 minutes
Cooking time : 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
For the croque-monsieur
- 8 large slices of sandwich bread
- 2 thick slices of cooked ham
- 50 g of butter
For the béchamel
- 20 g of butter
- 20 g of flour
- 25 cl of milk
- 100 g of grated Gruyère cheese
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt
- Ground pepper
PREPARATION
Start by lighting your plancha grill and let the plate reach a medium temperature.
Prepare the béchamel by melting the butter in a saucepan. Add the flour and then mix for a few moments. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to obtain a smooth and creamy mixture.
When the sauce thickens, stir in the grated Gruyère cheese, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place the slices on the grill plate to lightly brown them. Then, top half of them with a generous layer of béchamel, add the ham, and close with the remaining slices.
Place the croque-monsieur on the middle area of the plancha grill and let them cook for a few minutes on each side until they achieve a nice golden colour and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Serve immediately as soon as they come off the plate.
WHY PREPARE A CROQUE-MONSIEUR ON A PLANCHA GRILL?
Cooking on a plancha grill offers several advantages. The heat is distributed evenly, allowing for crispy bread without burning the outside. The cheese melts gradually while the béchamel retains all its creaminess.
Thanks to the different heat zones of the plate, it is also possible to prepare several croques simultaneously while keeping some warm during the cooking of others.
COOKING TIPS ON A PLANCHA BARBECUE
To achieve a perfectly crispy croque-monsieur, favour the medium heat zone of your plancha grill. An excessive temperature could cause the bread to brown too quickly before the cheese is fully melted.
If you use a cooking dome, it will promote the melting of the cheese and slightly reduce the cooking time.
FOOD AND DRINK PAIRING
This croque-monsieur pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad. To accompany it, choose a dry white wine or a light craft beer that will balance the indulgent side of the recipe.
COEO TIP
To easily transform this recipe into a croque-madame, cook a fried egg directly on the hot zone of your COEO plancha grill before placing it on the sandwich just before serving.
FAQ: CROQUE-MONSIEUR ON THE PLANCHA GRILL
Can you cook a croque-monsieur on a plancha grill?
Yes, the plancha grill is particularly suited for this recipe. The plate allows for even cooking that makes the bread crispy while melting the cheese inside.
What heat zone should be used?
A medium heat zone is ideal to avoid burning the bread before the filling is perfectly hot.
Can you prepare several croque-monsieurs at the same time?
Yes. The large cooking surface of a plancha grill allows for preparing several sandwiches simultaneously.
Is it necessary to use a cooking dome?
The dome is not mandatory but it helps with the melting of the cheese and improves the evenness of the cooking.
Can the ham be replaced?
Absolutely. This recipe can be made with poultry, smoked salmon or even in a vegetarian version with grilled vegetables.
Which cheese to choose?
Gruyère is a classic, but Emmental, Comté or Cheddar also provide excellent results.
