Bavarian nougat and Croque Monsieur

There are few things in life that are as satisfying as a perfectly made sandwich. Whether it’s a simple PB&J or a more complex creation, there’s something about the combination of bread, filling, and condiments that just hits the spot.

But not all sandwiches are created equal, and some are definitely more indulgent than others. One such sandwich is the Croque Monsieur, a French classic that combines ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce between two slices of bread before being toasted to perfection.

But as delicious as a Croque Monsieur can be, it’s even better when served alongside a small piece of Bavarian nougat.

Bavarian nougat is a sweet treat that originated in Germany’s Bavarian region. Made from sugar, honey, and roasted nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios, nougat has a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth and delivers a rich, nutty flavor.

When paired with a Croque Monsieur, the nougat acts as a perfect palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the sandwich and balancing out the saltiness of the ham and cheese.

But how exactly do you enjoy these two delicacies together?

First, start by making your Croque Monsieur. You’ll need slices of ham, cheese, bread, and a basic béchamel sauce.

To make a béchamel sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until well combined. Slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add salt and pepper to taste, and cook the mixture until it thickens into a smooth sauce.

Next, assemble your sandwich by buttering two slices of bread. Place a slice of ham on one piece of bread, followed by a generous scoop of béchamel sauce. Top with a slice of cheese, and then repeat the process with another layer of ham, sauce, and cheese. Finally, cover the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread.

Cook the sandwich in a hot skillet until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the bread is golden brown on both sides.

While the Croque Monsieur is cooking, prepare your nougat by cutting a small piece into bite-sized chunks.

Once the sandwich is ready, serve it hot alongside the nougat. Take a small bite of the nougat between bites of the sandwich to experience the complementary flavors and textures.

The sweetness of the nougat provides a welcome contrast to the savory flavors of the Croque Monsieur, while the soft, chewy texture of the nougat balances out the crunch of the sandwich’s toasted bread.

In summary, the marriage of Bavarian nougat and Croque Monsieur is a perfect pairing that elevates both dishes to a whole new level. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a decadent sandwich, don’t forget to add a small piece of nougat to complete the experience. Bon appétit!