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A Rustic French Classic with a Hearty Alpine Twist
If you’re looking to bring a touch of gourmet indulgence to your kitchen, the Croque Monsieur Montagnard is a must-try. This Alpine-inspired variation of the traditional French Croque Monsieur is everything you love about a hot sandwich—plus layers of smoky bacon, nutty mountain cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce that will make your tastebuds sing. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner, this dish is surprisingly simple to make and deeply satisfying.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this authentic French mountain sandwich at home. Whether you’re a foodie, a sandwich lover, or someone who simply craves comforting meals with flair—this one’s for you.
🧀 What is a Croque Monsieur Montagnard?
Let’s start with the basics. A Croque Monsieur is a famous French café sandwich traditionally made with ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, all grilled to perfection. Now, Montagnard means “mountain dweller” in French, and the Montagnard version elevates the Croque Monsieur to alpine heaven.
This rustic twist adds smoky lardons or bacon, rich Reblochon or Raclette cheese (both hailing from the French Alps), and hearty country-style bread. It’s bold, warming, and filled with the flavors of the mountains.
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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step, here’s what you need to gather:
For 2 servings:
• 4 thick slices of country bread (or sourdough)
• 4 slices of smoked bacon or lardons
• 100g (about 3.5 oz) Raclette, Reblochon, or Gruyère cheese
• 2 slices of quality ham (optional for layering)
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
For the béchamel sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
🍳 How To Make Croque Monsieur Montagnard Step-by-Step
1. Make the Creamy Béchamel Sauce
Let’s start with the soul of this sandwich—the béchamel:
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add flour and stir for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
• Let it simmer until it thickens (around 4-5 minutes).
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon or Lardons
In a skillet, cook the bacon or lardons until crispy and golden. Drain them on a paper towel and resist the urge to snack!
3. Assemble Your Sandwich
Now for the fun part:
• Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
• On the non-buttered side, spread a small layer of béchamel.
• Add slices of ham (if using), bacon/lardons, and thick slices of cheese.
• Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread (buttered side out).
• Optional: Spread a touch of Dijon mustard on the inside for extra flavor.
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4. Grill It To Golden Perfection
• In a skillet or sandwich press, grill the sandwich on medium heat until the outside is golden and the cheese is melty.
• For extra indulgence, place the grilled sandwiches on a baking sheet, top with more béchamel and cheese, then broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
🥖 Tips To Elevate Your Croque Monsieur Montagnard
• Use rustic bread: A good country-style loaf or sourdough holds up beautifully to the fillings and adds an artisan touch.
• Don’t skimp on cheese: Reblochon or Raclette will give that creamy, nutty flavor that makes this sandwich sing.
• Broil the top: This step gives your sandwich that signature golden, bubbly top layer that’s café-worthy.
🥂 Serving Suggestions
Pair your Croque Monsieur Montagnard with a light green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness. A glass of dry white wine or a light beer makes the perfect companion.
Serve it for:
• A French-style brunch
• A cozy lunch
• A winter dinner party
• Or a hearty after-hike reward
🧡 Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
This recipe brings a taste of the Alps right to your kitchen. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and rich béchamel is irresistible. It’s comfort food with class, yet approachable for any home cook.
You don’t have to travel to a French chalet to experience mountain cuisine—just fire up your stove, and let this sandwich warm your soul.
💬 Final Thoughts
When you make this Croque Monsieur Montagnard, you’re not just cooking a sandwich—you’re crafting a flavorful journey through the Alps. It’s rustic, rich, and effortlessly elegant. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite comfort food.
Let me know if you’d like a matching Pinterest pin graphic, printable recipe card, or step-by-step video script to pair with this blog post!