A classic French bistro snack, the Croque Monsieur is a delightful grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Its roots are deeply embedded in French culture, often enjoyed in cafes throughout Paris. The simplicity of its ingredients, combined with the richness of béchamel sauce and melted cheese, makes it a beloved comfort food. Its popularity stems from the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it both satisfying and indulgent.
Servings: Serves 2 people
Appliances/Utensils:
– Frying pan
– Whisk
– Cheese grater
– Baking sheet
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of white bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 4 slices of ham
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
-
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
-
Pour in the milk gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
-
Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Gruyère cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
-
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on two slices of bread.
-
Place a slice of ham and a generous spoonful of béchamel sauce on top of the mustard.
-
Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich.
-
Melt the remaining butter in the frying pan and grill each sandwich until golden brown on both sides.
-
Transfer the sandwiches to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the remaining béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with remaining Gruyère cheese.
-
Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For a Croque Madame, top with a fried egg.
- Use smoked ham for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute a different cheese, like Emmental, for variation.
Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with a side salad or French fries.
Estimated Time: Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes