Croute Au Fromage Suisse Recipe

Step into the world of comfort and elegance with my take on a classic Croque Monsieur, where each bite is a symphony of golden sourdough, melty Gruyère, and a touch of wine-infused sophistication.

I adore creating the amazing Croute Au Fromage Suisse, a dish that blends homespun comfort with Swiss refinement. Sturdy bread, like sourdough, is topped with melted Gruyère, a cheese enriched with flavor and texture, and this dish is a near-perfect harmony of taste.

For added richness, I top it with ham, and when I serve this dish, I know I’m offering a meal with calcium, protein, and carbs that is perfectly balanced.

Croute Au Fromage Suisse Recipe Ingredients

• Gruyère Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium, adds a creamy, nutty flavor.
• Bread: Provides carbohydrates for energy; adds texture to the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor; source of healthy fats.
• White Wine: Enhances flavor with acidity; helps blend the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides creaminess and calcium; balances flavors.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; has antioxidant properties.
• Nutmeg: Optional, adds warmth and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Ham: Optional, adds savory, smoky flavor and protein content.

Croute Au Fromage Suisse Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 slices of sturdy bread (such as sourdough or country bread)
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 clove garlic, halved
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 4 slices of ham (optional)

How to Make this Croute Au Fromage Suisse Recipe

1.
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) for preheating.

2. Take each individual slice of sourdough bread and express the flavor of garlic onto each slice by rubbing it down with a garlic clove.

3. Both sides of each slice of bread should be lightly buttered with softened butter.

4. Position the buttered slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crisp.

5. In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the remaining butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, making a roux.

6. Divide the milk into small portions and add them gradually. Whisk constantly and with confidence to combine. Do this, and you will have no lumps; only smooth, thickened custard. Or, as I like to think of it, Spanish flan in the making.

7. Add the grated Gruyère cheese and stir until it is melted and smooth. Pour in the wine; add nutmeg, if you are using it, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

8. If employing ham, position a slice atop every toasted slice of bread.

9. Spoon the mixture of cheese and other ingredients generously over each slice of bread (and ham, if added).

10. Put the slices of bread back in the oven, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown. Serve right away.

Croute Au Fromage Suisse Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Saucepan
4. Knife (for halving garlic clove)
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Grater (for Gruyère cheese)
8. Spatula or spoon (for stirring)
9. Butter knife (for spreading butter)

FAQ

• What type of bread is best for Croute Au Fromage Suisse? Sourdough and country breads are the best sorts of sturdy bread holds up well to toppings and crisp baking.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?– Gruyère is traditional, but you can use Emmental or Comté in its place if you prefer.
• What if I don’t have dry white wine?Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Is the ham necessary? – No, the ham is not a must. The recipe is delightful with or without it, depending on your taste.
• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting lumpy?– Stir constantly and add the milk gradually after making the roux with flour and butter for a smooth sauce.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time?You’re likely to enjoy it most if you consume it fresh, but there’s no reason you can’t prepare the sauce beforehand. Just store it in the fridge and heat it up when you’re ready to enjoy the dish.
• What is the purpose of the garlic in this recipe?The subtle flavor of garlic permeates the bread when a halved clove is rubbed over it. This makes for a taste combination that is perfect when paired with the following.

Croute Au Fromage Suisse Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use Emmental or Comté cheese, which offer a similar flavor, as substitutes for Gruyère cheese.
Substitute chicken or vegetable broth for dry white wine, or use apple cider as a non-alcoholic option.
Dairy or Nondairy Milk: Use half-and-half or any nondairy milk of your choice, including almond milk or oat milk.
Butter without salt: Use salted butter instead, but cut back on the extra added salt. Or use a plant-based “butter” for a dairy-free option.
Ham: Think about opting for turkey slices or a meatless alternative such as mushrooms sautéed in olive oil.

Pro Tips

1. Bread Selection: Opt for day-old bread or slightly stale bread for better texture. Fresh bread may become too soft when topped with the cheese mixture.