Italian Croque-Monsieur: Pesto and Mozzarella

Steps for preparing Italian-style croque-monsieur

1. Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to  180°C (350°F)  using fan-assisted mode if possible. Prepare a baking tray lined with baking paper.

2. Assembly of the croques

Spread a thin layer of pesto on each slice of bread  . Then add a slice of  ham , a few slices of  tomato , and a generous handful of  grated mozzarella .

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Close each croque with a second slice of bread.

3. Buttering the top

Spread a thin layer of  softened butter  (or a drizzle of olive oil) on the top side of each croque. This will ensure a nice golden crust when cooked.

4. Cooking

Place the croques on the baking sheet. Bake for about  10 minutes , until the top is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

For extra crispiness, you can finish with 1 to 2 minutes in grill mode.

5. Service

Let stand for a minute outside the oven, then slice the croques diagonally. Serve with an arugula salad, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or a few black olives to complete this taste journey.

Approximate Nutritional Values (per bite)

• 320 to 350 kcal , depending on the type of bread and the amount of cheese
• 18-20g of protein  (from ham and mozzarella)
• 15 to 18 g of fat , mainly from cheese and butter
• 26 to 30 g of carbohydrates , provided by bread
• Source of  calcium ,  phosphorus ,  vitamins B1 and B12
• Moderate fiber intake if wholemeal bread is used

A balanced, nutritious and flexible dish, ideal for quick meals without compromising on quality.

Tips and Variations to Try

• Vegetarian:  Replace the ham with grilled zucchini slices or marinated eggplant.
• Cheese:  Add Parmesan or Gorgonzola for more character.
• Quick pan-fried croque-monsieur:  3 minutes on each side in a buttered pan over medium heat.
• Sweet and savory version:  add a little honey or fig jam to the pesto.
• Gluten-free:  Use gluten-free bread, available in bakeries or supermarkets
  
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