Matthew
Indulge your taste buds with the ultimate French comfort food: the Croque Monsieur.
This decadent sandwich is filled with tender ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey, melted cheese, all nestled between two slices of crispy, golden-brown bread.
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a cozy dinner, this recipe will have you saying “Oui, s’il vous plaît!
” in no time.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of white or sourdough bread
- 8 thin slices of ham
- 2 cups of grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thick. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 of the bread slices, sauce side up, on a baking sheet.
- Layer a slice of ham and 1/4 cup of grated Gruyère cheese on each of the 4 slices of bread on the baking sheet. Top with the remaining bread slices, sauce side down.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on top of each sandwich, followed by the remaining béchamel sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra crunch, toast your bread slices lightly before assembling the sandwiches.
- Add a slice of tomato or a few leaves of fresh spinach for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information:
| Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750 | 43g | 53g | 34g |
Substitution Options:
- Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of this delicious sandwich.
- Substitute the ham with sliced turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile.
Wine or Beverage Pairings:
A glass of crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the rich flavors of the Croque Monsieur. Alternatively, enjoy a cold, refreshing lager or a sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic option.
