Croque Monsieur

Impress your friends with a mouthwatering Croque Monsieur, the classic French sandwich that's easy to make at home! This delightful recipe guides you through essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and fun variations to customize your sandwich. Elevate your cooking game and enjoy rich flavors with every bite.

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Ingredients

8 slices of French bread (or sourdough)

4 slices of high-quality ham (preferably Black Forest or similar)

4 slices of Gruyère cheese

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste (roux). Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste, then set aside.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

- Lay 4 slices of French bread on a clean surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard on each slice.

- Layer the ham and Gruyère cheese on top of the mustard.

- Place the remaining slices of bread on top to form a sandwich.

Cook the Sandwiches: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt a little butter. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Add Béchamel: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cooked sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the béchamel sauce generously over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle extra Gruyère cheese on top for a cheese lover’s treat.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Serve: Remove from the oven, let slightly cool, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve each sandwich on a warm plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and accompanied by a simple side salad of arugula drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing contrast.