When chef Charlie Mitchell hosted our All-Clad Outdoor event this past July showcasing our new outdoor collections, he brought with him a recipe that proves comfort food can be as refined as it is satisfying. His creation? A luxurious Croque Monsieur featuring white truffle béchamel, Comté cheese, and house-made Pullman brioche.

This is French comfort food at its best. Flavorful, technical precision, and ingredients that are at the top of the culinary ladder.

Person grilling thick bread slices on a flat-top grill, one hand placing them. Wearing a black shirt and red apron, creating a focused mood.Person grilling thick bread slices on a flat-top grill, one hand placing them. Wearing a black shirt and red apron, creating a focused mood.

The Chef’s Version: A Study in Elegance

Charlie begins with Pullman brioche, baked to perfection for that soft, buttery crumb and golden crust. The heart of the dish is his white truffle béchamel—silky, aromatic, and infused with a delicacy in white truffle. Layered with slices of Comté cheese, that melts into the sauce for an elevated bite that feels both indulgent and refined.

Chef Charlie’s take on this dish showcases how the right ingredients, handled with precision, can elevate a dish rooted in tradition but also built to outlast time.

Make It at Home: Flexible, Approachable, Delicious

Not everyone has white truffles or house-made brioche on hand, or the time to create every piece of this dish and that’s okay. One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ways to bring it to your own kitchen:

  • Skip the Truffles: If you can’t find (or don’t want to splurge on) white truffles, simply make the béchamel without them. The sauce will still be velvety and flavorful. You can also infuse the sauce with a variety of other ingredients to find that luxury feel. One such way to do so would be infusing mushrooms.
  • Choose Your Cheese: Comté adds a nutty, complex flavor, but you can swap in Gruyère, Emmental, or even a sharp white cheddar. Each will bring its own personality to the dish.
  • Add Ham (or Not): For a traditional Croque Monsieur, layer in thin slices of quality ham. Or leave it vegetarian for something lighter.
  • Bread Options: While Pullman brioche is the gold standard, thick-cut sandwich bread—or even sourdough can create an amazing end result as well.

Whether you are following the recipe or not, just know when you have the right tools, even a weekday dinner can feel like a special occasion.

Charlie Mitchell’s Croque Monsieur is proof that fine dining and comfort food can live on the same plate. Whether you follow his exact recipe or make it your own with pantry staples, you’ll end up with something truly delicious. After all, the best recipes are the ones that invite both inspiration and your own desired flavors.

 

Chef Charlie MitchellChef Charlie Mitchell

RECIPE BY

Chef Charlie Mitchell

Chef Charlie Mitchell - Executive Chef at Saga and co-owner of Clover Hill. A Detroit native and self-taught chef, he became the first Black chef in New York City to earn a Michelin star. Known for his approachable take on fine dining, Charlie blends technical precision with soulful, ingredient-driven cooking.