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A Mediterranean Twist on the French Classic!

Craving a hot, quick, and irresistibly cheesy sandwich?
This Italian-Style Croque Monsieur brings a sun-kissed twist to the beloved French classic!
Scented with fresh pesto, layered with baked ham, juicy tomatoes, and melty mozzarella, all sandwiched between buttery cornbread — it’s the perfect gourmet lunch or light dinner. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a café in Italy!

Let’s dive right into this Mediterranean comfort food dream.

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⭐ Ingredients (4 Servings):

• 8 slices of cornbread
• 8 slices of baked ham
• 200g (about 2 cups) grated mozzarella cheese
• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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🍴 Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2️⃣ Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Spread a generous layer of pesto on one side of each slice of cornbread.
• On four slices, layer one slice of ham, a few tomato slices, and a handful of grated mozzarella.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Top with the remaining slices of cornbread (pesto side facing in).

3️⃣ Butter the Sandwiches:

• Spread a thin layer of butter on the top of each sandwich to help them turn golden and crispy.

4️⃣ Bake:

• Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.

5️⃣ Serve:

• Let the sandwiches cool slightly.
• Cut diagonally for a traditional croque presentation and serve warm!

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⏱ Quick Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories per serving: ~320 kcal

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✨ Tips for the Best Italian Croque Monsieur:

• Bread Swap: No cornbread? You can also use rustic Italian bread like ciabatta or focaccia for a different twist!
• Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan inside for an even cheesier bite.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham and add grilled zucchini or eggplant slices instead.
• Herby Boost: Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves after baking for even more Mediterranean magic.

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Serving Ideas:

• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside a bowl of minestrone or tomato basil soup for a cozy meal.
• Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for the full Italian café vibe!

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#CroqueMonsieurItalien #CuisineMéditerranéenne #RecetteRapide #PestoLover #Gourmandise

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