We had leftover Christmas ham a week ago and I wanted something new to make. Then I remembered seeing a Croque Monsieur on one of the cooking shows I like–maybe The Rachael Ray Show. Now, I know what you’re thinking. We need to be gluten free. How can you make Croque Monsieur gluten free? I adapted. By the way, here is a gf recipe if you want one.
I forgot to take pictures of mine, but it’s pretty easy. I used the focaccia recipe in 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster. I really like this book. The sorghum flour used throughout has a great flavor and makes very good baked goods. Fenster’s focaccia is excellent. (I have no affiliation with Fenster or her book. Just a fan.)
I left out the herbs and baked it until done on 400ºF. While it baked, I made a mixture of 5-cheese pizza mix, smoked gouda and heavy cream. I grated some nutmeg into it and mixed it well. You’ll need quite a bit of this, so make more than you think you’ll need and add enough cream to make it fairly spreadable.
When the bread it done you can add a layer of the cheese mix on top, lay the ham over the top of it and then spread on more cheese.
I baked it awhile until the cheese on the bottom was melting, then I moved it up to the top rack of the oven and turned the broiler on high. Broil until it turns nice and golden brown. Watch it closely as this will happen very quickly. I cut it into four pieces, but then divided it more because it was a little big.
This was such a hit with my husband! He ate about 2/3Â of the Croque by himself.
Have fun!
