Say bonjour to your new favorite comfort food: croque monsieur recipe vegetarian. This meat-free twist on the iconic French café classic has become a beloved staple in my kitchen. I first tasted a vegetarian croque monsieur at a tiny bistro in Lyon, where the chef had swapped out ham for layers of sautéed mushrooms and creamy béchamel. It was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve recreated and refined this recipe countless times for family brunches, cozy dinners, and even fancy holiday breakfasts. The beauty of croque monsieur recipe vegetarian is that it maintains all the richness and flavor of the original, while catering to plant-based or meat-light lifestyles. Once you try this version, it’s bound to be a regular on your table, too.
Why It Works
The croque monsieur recipe vegetarian version holds up beautifully because it keeps the heart of the original: melty cheese, creamy sauce, and toasted bread. What makes it shine are the umami-rich ingredients that replace the meat. Think sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or roasted vegetables. They add texture and deep flavor that rivals the original. The béchamel brings a silky element, while the bubbling cheese on top creates that irresistible golden crust. It’s indulgent yet balanced, and most importantly simple to make.
Ingredients List
Sourdough or brioche bread slices
Butter, softened
Dijon mustard
Gruyère cheese, grated (or Emmental)
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Nutmeg
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Mushrooms, thinly sliced
Spinach (optional)
Garlic, minced
Fresh thyme (optional)
How to Make Cheesecake Cookie Dough Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms until golden and moisture is evaporated, about 7–8 minutes. Add garlic and spinach (if using), and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lightly toast your bread. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice. On half the slices, layer mushroom mixture, a spoonful of béchamel, and grated cheese. Top with the second slice.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Spread butter on the outside of the sandwich. Grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
Step 5: Broil and Finish
Place sandwiches on a baking sheet. Spoon more béchamel and shredded cheese on top. Broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and browned. Serve hot.
Serving & Garnish
Serve your croque monsieur recipe vegetarian hot and golden, ideally with a small green salad with Dijon vinaigrette. Garnish with a light sprinkle of parsley or a crack of black pepper. A side of cornichons or grainy mustard is also a classic pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soggy bread: Toast the bread slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- Skimping on béchamel: This sauce brings it all together don’t go light.
- Overfilling with veggies: Keep a balance so the sandwich isn’t falling apart.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.
Storage & Reheating
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy texture. You can also freeze assembled (but unbaked) sandwiches and cook them fresh later.
Rita’s Note
This croque monsieur recipe vegetarian is perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner. I love experimenting with fillings try roasted red peppers and goat cheese, or caramelized onions with arugula. For even more insight into how this sandwich fits into the French café landscape, check out The Difference Between Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame, and if you’re curious about its American cousin, you’ll love exploring What Is the American Name for Croque Monsieur?. For another fun comparison, see Astonishing Differences Revealed: What Is the Difference Between a Monte Cristo and a Croque Monsieur?.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Zucchini, eggplant, roasted bell peppers, or caramelized onions all work beautifully.
What cheese is best?
Gruyère is classic, but Emmental, Swiss, or even a good sharp cheddar will work in a pinch.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes—use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and a good vegan cheese. Make sure your bread is egg-free.
Is béchamel necessary?
For that authentic French richness, yes. But you can use just cheese and mustard in a pinch.
Can I use a sandwich press?
You can! Just skip the final broil or carefully add the béchamel and cheese afterward.
Conclusion for Croque Monsieur Recipe Vegetarian
The croque monsieur recipe vegetarian is a delicious, satisfying twist on a French classic that proves comfort food doesn’t need meat. Rich with creamy béchamel, bursting with umami from sautéed mushrooms, and topped with bubbling cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers Parisian café vibes from your own kitchen. Get creative, have fun, and most of all enjoy every cheesy, golden bite.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Croque Monsieur Recipe Vegetarian
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This croque monsieur recipe vegetarian brings a French classic to life with mushrooms, béchamel, gruyère cheese, and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
Sourdough or brioche bread slices
Butter, softened
Dijon mustard
Gruyère cheese, grated
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Nutmeg
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Mushrooms, thinly sliced
Spinach (optional)
Garlic, minced
Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté mushrooms until browned and moisture has evaporated, about 7–8 minutes.
Add garlic and spinach if using, cook until wilted, then season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until thickened into béchamel sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Lightly toast bread slices, then spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice.
On half the slices, layer mushroom mixture, a spoonful of béchamel, and grated gruyère. Top with the remaining slices.
Butter the outsides of the sandwiches and grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp.
Place sandwiches on a baking sheet, top with béchamel and more cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and browned.
Serve hot with a side salad or crispy greens.
Notes
Use a mix of mushrooms for a deeper flavor. Vegan options can include dairy-free cheese and plant milk. For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free bread and flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled and Broiled
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: croque monsieur recipe vegetarian, vegetarian croque monsieur sandwich, meatless croque monsieur, French vegetarian toastie