These 3 French-Style Toppings Give Basic Toast 100% More Flavor

Toast is a great base for all kinds of toppings because its mild flavor lets other ingredients shine, while bringing a crispy texture to the mix. It's also very easy to make. Quick toppings like butter or jam are great when you are in a rush, but if you have time to spare, you can get a little more creative and make this open-faced variant of a croque monsieur. All you need is some ham, Gruyère cheese, and Dijon mustard.

Plain white bread would work fine, but sourdough's subtle tanginess or the sweetness of brioche would bring even more flavor. Once the bread is toasted, spread it with Dijon mustard, top it with a slice of ham and either sliced or grated Gruyère, and bake for three or four minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You want the cheese melted enough to completely cover the ham, and also give you a little cheese pull when you bite into it.

Depending on the type of ham you choose, it can bring salty, savory, or sweet notes, while Gruyère adds a mild nuttiness that complements its flavor. Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy element even though it's not traditionally a part of a classic croque monsieur. It can cut through the richness of the cheese and tame some of the saltiness of the ham. The mustard's subtle heat also adds a little bite, keeping the rich, savory toppings from tasting one-note. It gives the dish a brighter and more complex flavor than ham and cheese alone.

A traditional croque monsieur is made with a béchamel sauce, which you could easily turn into several other sauces that would work on this toast. While béchamel-based sauces are a little creamier and more decadent, Dijon has long been paired with ham and Swiss because the flavors are complementary. If you find Dijon too strong on its own, mixing it with mayonnaise makes a creamier version that still has some bite. You could also incorporate herbs like thyme, chives, tarragon, or even some dill.

Some recipes add a little more brightness and acidity by incorporating tomatoes. Layer in caramelized onions for a jammy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the ham, cheese, and Dijon. You can drizzle Dijon over the melted cheese or add a dollop for a more concentrated hit of flavor. If you want a more substantial meal, you can switch inspiration from a croque monsieur to a croque madame and add a fried egg on top.

Your choice of ham can change both the flavor and texture of the toast. Black Forest deli ham can bring a savory, smoky flavor, while maple or honey ham adds sweetness. If you slice ham from a roast you cooked at home, you can use thicker, meatier slices to give your toast some more substance.

If you like a bolder cheese flavor, try sharp cheddar for a tangier bite or smoked Gouda for a smoky twist. For something with better cheese pull, a good pizza mozzarella will work. There's plenty of room to experiment with these additions while keeping the heart of the dish focused on ham, melted cheese, and tangy Dijon.