CRISPY BAGHRIR WITH HAM AND CHEESE
The crispy baghrir is a modern and creative take on the classic French croque-monsieur, in which the traditional bread is replaced by baghrirs, also known as ‘thousand-hole crêpes’.
How to make crispy baghrir. To begin with, it is important to prepare the baghrirs properly. It is recommended that you gently heat them in a non-stick frying pan with a little butter until they lose their surface moisture and develop a firmer texture. This step is key to ensuring that they can subsequently brown without breaking and achieve that characteristic crispiness.
Assembling the croque. Place a baghrir on the frying pan or a work surface to form the base. Add a slice of cheese, a layer of cooked ham and another layer of cheese to enhance the creaminess and melt-in-the-mouth texture inside. Cover with another baghrir, pressing down gently to compact the structure without flattening it too much. The aim is to achieve a juicy, melt-in-the-mouth centre, balanced with a firmer surface.
Cook until crispy. Cook the whole thing in a hot frying pan with a little butter or in an oven preheated to 180°C. Cook for long enough for the cheese to melt completely and for the outside of the baghrir to turn a light golden brown and become crispy. It is important to keep an eye on the heat to prevent the surface from burning before the inside has melted completely.
Optional finishing touch. For a more elaborate version, you can add a fried egg on top of the crispy baghrir once it is ready, adding extra creaminess. You can also cover it with a thin layer of béchamel sauce before lightly browning it under the grill to enhance its gourmet flavour.
Cooking tips
Balance is key in this recipe. The baghrir should retain some of its fluffy texture on the inside, but with a slightly sealed base that creates a crispy texture without losing its moistness.
Avoiding too much sauce or liquid ingredients will help preserve the texture. Furthermore, using butter instead of neutral oils gives a richer flavour and better caramelisation.
Introduction
Crispy baghrir can be served as individual portions or cut into triangular slices, much like a gourmet pizza. It is best served with a fresh salad of leafy greens, rocket or tender sprouts, which add freshness and balance to the dish.
It is an ideal choice for modern brunches, casual dining menus or creative catering options.
Variations
- Vegetarian version: replace the ham with roasted vegetables such as courgette or aubergine.
- Spicy version: add blue cheese or mature cheddar for a stronger flavour.
- Gourmet version: add truffle oil or sautéed mushrooms.
The crispy baghrir demonstrates how a traditional base can be transformed into a completely new dish through small adjustments to technique and ingredient combinations, maintaining its simplicity whilst enhancing the overall experience.
Crispy baghrir: reinvented with a gourmet twist
The crispy baghrir is a modern and creative take on the classic French croque-monsieur, where the traditional bread is replaced by baghrirs, also known as ‘thousand-hole crêpes’. If you’d like to find out more about this recipe or others, take a look at our recipies.
