Perfect for a hearty weekend breakfast or lazy lunch, this take on the classic Croque Monsier sandwich is true winter comfort food when the bread is swapped for a hash brown waffle.
By Matt Robinson
It’s that time of the year to exercise your belly for the big game day. To get you started, I’m sharing this Hash Brown Croque Monsieur Sandwich.
As you can see, I took some liberties with the classic sandwich by swapping out the usual bread slices with waffled hash browns then gave the ensemble an excessive slathering of bechamel sauce and a heavy-handed sprinkling of Fontina cheese to round it out.
Perfect for a hearty weekend breakfast or lazy lunch, this sandwich is true winter comfort food.
Click here for more game day foods.
Print
Hash Brown Croque Monsieur Sandwich
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A fun twist on the classic! Crispy hash brown waffles replace bread in this cheesy, meaty sandwich.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cups (240 ml) milk
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 lbs (907 g) frozen tater tots
- 8 slices (170 g) black forest ham
- 1 cups (240 ml) grated Fontina
- chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Cover waffle iron with non-stick spray. Place tater tots on the waffle iron as close together as possible. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
To make béchamel sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk to combine. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture turns dark golden, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in milk and nutmeg and continue to whisk until smooth and the mixture thickens, about 7-10 minutes.
- Transfer the béchamel sauce to a shallow dish and set aside to cool. Place a piece of plastic directly on the surface.
Assembly
- Heat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Portion out half of the béchamel sauce and spread it evenly among 4 waffles.
- Place the waffles, béchamel sauce side up, onto a wire rack-lined baking sheet; layer with ham and half of the cheese.
- Top with the remaining waffles and spread the remaining béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake until the cheese is browned and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with chives before serving.
Notes
- For perfectly crisp hash brown waffles, ensure your waffle iron is preheated and lightly oiled.
- If Fontina isn’t available, Gruyère or another nutty cheese makes a delicious substitute.
- To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Oven-Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Fontina in the Hash Brown Croque Monsieur Sandwich?
Yes, you can substitute Fontina with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or Swiss, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile.
How can I ensure my hash browns get crispy for the sandwich?
To achieve crispy hash browns, use a hot, well-greased waffle iron and press the frozen tater tots down as close together as possible before cooking — there’s no need to squeeze out moisture, since they go in frozen straight from the bag.
What should I do if I don’t have bechamel sauce prepared for the sandwich?
You can quickly make a simple bechamel by whisking together butter, flour, milk, and seasoning over medium heat until thickened.
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
This could possibly be the most perfect sandwich I’ve ever seen. I might have cried just a little.