Italian Croque Monsieur: A Tasty Twist

# Italian Croque Monsieur: A Tasty Twist on a French Classic

The classic **Croque Monsieur** is a beloved French sandwich, known for its golden, crispy exterior and rich, cheesy interior. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish, typically made with ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce. However, what if you could give this traditional sandwich a delicious Italian twist? Enter the **Italian Croque Monsieur**: a perfect fusion of French sophistication and Italian flavor.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make this scrumptious variation, swapping out a few ingredients to add a Mediterranean flair. With the addition of Italian cheeses, prosciutto, and a few fresh herbs, this version of the classic is sure to elevate your sandwich game.

### Why Choose an Italian Twist?

The beauty of the original **Croque Monsieur** lies in its simplicity, but adding Italian ingredients brings a whole new layer of flavor to the dish. Here’s why the Italian version is so irresistible:

– **Italian Cheeses**: While Gruyère is the classic cheese for a Croque Monsieur, Italian cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan add richness, creaminess, and a touch of sharpness.
– **Prosciutto**: Instead of the traditional ham, prosciutto—Italian dry-cured ham—adds a sweet-salty depth that pairs beautifully with the cheeses.
– **Fresh Herbs and Tomato**: Adding basil and sun-dried tomatoes brings brightness and complexity, making each bite even more satisfying.

This Italian-inspired sandwich is the perfect combination of crunchy, gooey, savory, and aromatic flavors, making it ideal for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner.

### Ingredients

For this Italian twist on the classic **Croque Monsieur**, gather the following ingredients:

#### For the Sandwich:
– 8 slices of thick-cut white or country bread (or Italian bread like ciabatta)
– 4 slices of prosciutto
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh, shredded or sliced)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– Fresh basil leaves (about 6-8)
– 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Bechamel Sauce:
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

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