Croque Monsieur Vegan Recipe For Baby and Toddler
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Croque Monsieur Vegan Recipe
A croque monsieur vegan recipe is an excellent choice for dairy-free baby-led weaning (BLW) due to its yummy flavours and textures that can stimulate a child's palate. Great for a quick snack or lunch option.
This plant-based version uses dairy-free cheese, ensuring that little ones can enjoy the classic taste without the inclusion of animal products.
Rich in carbohydrates and protein from ingredients like wholemeal bread, it provides a well-rounded meal.
The soft yet structured nature of the ingredients makes it easy for babies to grasp and chew, promoting their self-feeding skills while introducing them to new tastes and healthy eating habits whilst eating this vegan croque monsieur.
Croque Monsieur vs Croque Madame
Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame are classic French dishes, both featuring layers of ham and cheese sandwiched between slices of bread, but they have a distinct difference: the Croque Madame is topped with a fried or poached egg, adding a rich and creamy texture.
While both are delicious, the addition of the egg in the Croque Madame can make it a more nutritious option. For babies embarking on baby-led weaning (BLW), a dairy-free version of either dish can be beneficial, as it allows the introduction of allergen-free alternatives while still providing protein and healthy fats.
Using dairy-free cheese and plant-based spreads ensures that little ones can enjoy the taste and texture of these traditional favourites without the risk of dairy-related allergic reactions, promoting a diverse palate and encouraging positive mealtime experiences.
Ingredient information
Bread slices - I have used a wholemeal sliced bread, but you can use yours or your babies favourite sliced bread.
Dairy free butter - You can use any plant based/vegan butter for this recipe. Quite a few margarines are dairy free/vegan. Check the ingredients to be sure. You can also sprinkle or spread a little onion powder, garlic powder, dijon mustard or black pepper on the bread for a little extra flavour.
Vegan cheese - I have used a dairy free/plant based cheddar cheese which I have grated.
Vegan ham - You can use a meat free ham of your choice.
Serving suggestion
The Croque Monsieur can be served on its own as a delicious vegan/dairy free sandwich. You could serve alongside sweet potato crisps or a fruit pot or mango yogurt pot.
You can of course use ham and cheese such as Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese that is meat and dairy if your baby is not following a vegan/dairy free diet.
Other recipes you may like: Toast 4 ways, Eggy bread or Cream cheese and chive sandwich.
Storage instructions
The cheese sandwich can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the hot sandwich, you will need to make sure that the sandwich has cooled down at room temperature before transferring to either a freezer bag or airtight container.
You can freeze into 2 halves or quarters if you prefer. Ensure that the bag/airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.
To defrost the croque monsieur sandwich, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that it is fully defrosted before eating.
Once the sandwich has been defrosted you will not be able to re freeze..
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Baking tray - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | Croque Monsieur Vegan Recipe For Baby and Toddler
Croque Monsieur Vegan Recipe For Baby and Toddler
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to a medium heat of 180C or 350F. Prepare a baking sheet with baking parchment.
- Lightly toast the the 2 slices of bread in the toaster for a minute or so.
- Butter the 2 slices or bread, place the ham slices on a piece of bread, followed by half of the cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese.
- Butter the top of the slice of bread and top with the remaining grated cheese.
- Place the sandwich on the baking tray and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown or until the cheese has melted.
- Leave to cool before serving to your baby.
Notes
If you wanted to make the recipe gluten-free too, you can use a gluten free sliced bread.
Why not try making a tomato sauce for dipping too!
©The Petit Spoon
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Try my baked chicken meatballs for a deliciously tasty, egg free, gluten free, dairy free blw lunch that is a great finger food recipe from 6 months old.