A common kitchen ingredient could take your next cheese toastie to another level. According to Olive Magazine, adding Marmite—a yeast extract spread—to a classic Croque Monsieur recipe can provide a savory kick. The magazine shared a recipe for Croque Marmite, which incorporates Marmite into both the béchamel sauce and directly on the bread.
What Makes a Croque Different from a Toastie?
Croques differ slightly from traditional British toasties made in a clamp toaster, but they are essentially a more sophisticated French version. They are usually made using a combination of a pan and the grill. The béchamel sauce is a key component, adding richness and flavor.
How to Make the Croque Marmite
The recipe involves making a rich béchamel sauce by melting butter and mixing in flour to create a paste, then adding splashes of milk to turn it into a sauce. Nutmeg, a teaspoon of Marmite, and mustard are whisked in, along with seasonings. Cheddar and Gruyère cheese are then melted into the sauce. This sauce is spread on top of the sandwich during the grilling stage. The magazine also advises spreading Marmite on the untoasted sides of the bread after two to three minutes of heating, when adding a sprinkling of Gruyère inside.
Simpler Alternatives
If you are looking for something easier, a dash of mustard can give a kick of flavor even to a tried-and-tested British-style toastie. Other kitchen classics like Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce are also said to be great ways to mix up the recipe.
