Croque monsieur
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Moderate
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 4 slices of ham
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (for béchamel sauce)
Instructions:
- Prepare Béchamel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay out 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on each slice.
- Place a slice of ham on each piece of bread, then sprinkle with half of the grated Gruyère cheese.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the top slice of each sandwich and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For an extra crispy top, you can broil the sandwiches for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving. Serve warm, optionally with a side salad or some pickles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming recipe makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 24g
Enjoy this classic French Croque Monsieur, a delightful combination of creamy béchamel, ham, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting meal!
