chorizo croque monsieur with queso & cotija guacamole

You know the saying, “Math is the universal language.”

Well, I’m calling some bull-honky.

Have you ever stopped someone on the street in another country and asked them to solve the quadratic formula? And when you did stop them and presented your mathematical question, did they respond with the correct way in order to solve the problem? And from there, did you ask for directions in binary numbers? As if.

I would love to say that we all speak rubik’s cube and derivatives, but unfortunately, we all didn’t grow up in an engineering library.  What if I told you there was another universal language the world could rally behind? I’m talking the language of cheese, yo!

Hold on to your stink-eye for 2.2 nano seconds and hear me out. Today, I’ve meshed two cultures together without using an abacus or a memo. Enter this Chorizo Croque Monsieur with Queso & Cojita Guacamole. This sandwich has all the Spanish spice from the chorizo and the French buttery goodness. Top with a little melted cheese on top…..could you imagine if they made this sammie back in the middle ages? Countries would have been way more chilaxed.

Not only is cheese a great vehicle to broaden your cultural horizon, it’s actually quite good for you. Cheese is full of nutrients – calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Plus, it’s a great snack that provides high quality of protein.

So, if you are looking to start up a conversation with someone from another country, ask them to cut the cheese. Wait. Pass the cheese.

Send help.

Make sure and check out more recipes from some of my favorite food bloggers! Happy National Dairy Month!

Greek Yogurt Pops, by Dessert for Two
S’Mores Ice Cream Sandwich, by Lemons for Lulu
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fruit Dip, by The Lemon Bowl
Java Chip Milkshake, by Inside BruCrew Life
Pesto Yogurt Chicken Kebabs, by Garnish with Lemon
Avocado Bean Dip, by Shugary Sweets
Creamy Pea Salad, by The Law Student’s Wife

**I was compensated by the ADA Mideast. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.**

Print Recipe

Chorizo Croque Monsieur with Queso & Cojita Guacamole

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

for the croque monsieur:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
pinch kosher salt
2 cups whole milk
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup ground chorizo, cooked
8 slices thick bread such as brioche, crusts removed

for the cojita guacamole:
2 avocados, sliced, pits removed, diced
1/2 cup cojita, shredded
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 small tomato, seeds removed, diced
2 tablespoons red onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

for the croque monsieur:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Place bread slices on baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes. Flip and toast for about another 2 minutes. Remove from oven. Meanwhile, preheat a small saucepan to medium heat. Melt the butter and then whisk in the flour. Let the flour cook out for a couple of minutes. Gently add the milk, whisking so lumps don't form and thickened about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is combined.

Take a slice of bread and place about 1/4 cup of the cooked choriz on top. Sprinkle some of the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Place another piece of bread on top. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the top, and sprinkle tops with a little more cheddar cheese. Repeat process with remaining three sandwiches. Place sandwiches in the oven for another 5 minutes or until brown and bubbly. Serve immediately and top with cojia guacamole.

for the cojita guacamole:
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.

All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate