Smoked Gouda Croissant with Tarragon Mayonnaise
“When are you making that Gouda sandwich?”
This is the question that Chase has been asking me since we moved to LA. See, in my humble hometown of Hendersonville, North Carolina there is this utterly adorable sandwich place called The Pampered Palate. It’s super tasty and ridiculously cute. On the menu they have a sandwich that is deceptively simple: Smoked Gouda croissant with tarragon mayonnaise. I took Chase there once, ONCE people, and he hasn’t stopped talking about it since that happy event three years ago.
I think that my initial reason for putting off making this sandwich is that I’ve been convinced it would be a disappointment. I mean, it sounds too simple, smoked Gouda, a croissant, and mayo with tarragon added. But this thing was so freakin delicious I couldn’t help but think that there had to be some secret ingredient they weren’t mentioning. Something that made this a sandwich worth talking about three years after eating it. Turns out, it’s just further proof that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or use crazy ingredients. I made this in roughly 10 minutes, and after tasting it I immediately remembered why this sandwich has been in my head all that time.
A word about tarragon – not once have I ever tasted a sauce and thought, “Man, this could really use more tarragon.” I’ve certainly said as much about basil and thyme, but tarragon is a bit foreign to me and not something I would normally think to use. However, I would not for one second consider eating this sandwich without the tarragon mayo. It is as important, if not more so, as the Gouda cheese. I don’t know that they were thinking over there at the Pampered Palate when they put these ingredients together, but someone deserves a medal.
Smoked Gouda Croissant with Tarragon Mayonnaise
The original sandwich on the Pampered Palate’s menu calls for sliced tomato, but I’ve omitted it since I’m not a fan of raw tomatoes. Feel free to add it back in.
2 croissants
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Smoked Gouda cheese, sliced
Sliced tomato (optional)Lightly toast the croissants to warm them up. Meanwhile, mix together the tarragon and mayonnaise. Slice the croissants in half and spread the mayo on one side. Line the other side with slices of cheese, (and tomatoes) whatever amount you desire. Get ready to taste and incredible flavor explosion.
Sounds simple and delicious. Did you try it grilled or heated?
I can’t even say I really know what tarragon tastes like, which is crazy in and of itself. This sandwich is deceptively simple…I would love to try it!
DFT – I toasted the croissant so it is warm, but not warm enough to melt the cheese. I actually haven’t had it grilled, but I kind of like the cheese feeling more solid.
Joanne – definitely give tarragon a try, I’m becoming more and more of a fan
I became a tarragon fan a long time ago when I saw my grandmother use it inside a chicken skin before roasting; it gave the chicken such an amazing flavor, I never forgot that ! so now that you are showcasing it with a croissant and some gouda, sure I can see why it would be irresistible.
This looks so yummy. One day you should MAKE the croissants too!
Have you ever tried making a bernaise sauce? That was the first time I ever tried tarragon and it was like an “a ha!” moment for me. It’s a really unique flavor and I can already imagine how well it lends itself to this sandwich.
Gouda and tarragon are such a great combination! Have you tried aged gouda? It is sweet with a salty crunch in every bite – would be wonderful in this sandwich.
Cheers!
E
Katrina – It’s probably going to be a while until I get can my courage up to making croissants
Kirstin – I actually wasn’t aware that tarragon was used in bernaise, but I definitely want to try making it now!
YS – I didn’t know that there was an “aged gouda,” is it commonly found at grocery stores or should I look in a specialty food store?
This sounds just divine!
Simple, but delicious looking. Yum!!
I made croissants once. Totally worth it. *daydreams*
HOWEVER – by the time the croissants are finally done, you’ll probably be too tired (and hungry) to want to make a sandwich! Can’t wait to try this recipe. I’m more and more obsessed with your blog.
http://www.thebonbonblog.com
Oh wow this sounds good! I think I am going to try it with the tomato. I didn’t realize you were from the NC mountains – so am I!
Emily – you definitely have my admiration for taking that on
Lbrooks – I love the mountains, I miss them every day! Where are you from?
wow these are so yummy looking!! I think I may have to try this!
Just made these, loved them! thanks for the recipe
This sounds delightful (and simple). Keep up the good work!
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I want! I want! I want!