Vegetarian Grilled Zucchini Croque Mademoiselle Recipe

French in a Flash

Quick and easy recipes that prove that great French food doesn't require a tall hat and a fancy kitchen.

Kerry Saretsky
Vegetarian Grilled Zucchini Croque Mademoiselle Recipe

[Photograph: Kerry Saretsky]

This vegetarian version of Croque Monsieur starts with thick, crusty slices of white sandwich bread. I stuff the inside with chargrilled slices of zucchini made earthy with herbes de Provence and tons of Emmenthaler, which gives a more delicate flavor than traditional Gruyère. Over the top goes a béchamel flavored with piquant Dijon mustard and a scrape of nutmeg. Then, more cheese, set under the broiler to bubble and blister. It's everything you want in a Croque Monsieur, made just slightly more delicate—hence, Croque Mademoiselle.

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  • Yield:makes 1 giant sandwich
  • Active time: 20 minutes
  • Total time:20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini, cut into 4 long planks
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of herbes de Provence
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for spreading on the bread
  • 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 (2/3-inch) slices of fresh white sandwich bread
  • 1 1/4 cups grated Emmenthaler cheese

Directions

  1. 1.

    Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Toss the zucchini lightly with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence. Grill until charred and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Set aside.

  2. 2.

    In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook over low heat for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, and continue whisking until the mixture has thickened enough to thickly coat a spoon. Set aside.

  3. 3.

    Preheat broiler to high. Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter. Place 6 tablespoons grated cheese on un-buttered side of one slice of bread. Top with the zucchini, then top with 6 more tablespoons cheese. Close sandwich, buttered side out. Toast the sandwich in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.

  4. 4.

    Place the sandwich on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Spread the top with the white sauce, then top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Broil until the cheese is toasted. Serve immediately.

This Recipe Appears In
French in a Flash: Vegetarian Grilled Zucchini Croque Mademoiselle
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