Croque Monsieur

Discover the elegance of the Croque Monsieur, a classic French sandwich that perfectly balances crispy bread, rich ham, and gooey melted cheese. Originating from Parisian cafés, this indulgent treat is not just a meal, but a celebration of French culinary artistry. In our article, we explore its fascinating history, provide a step-by-step recipe, and share tips for making the perfect béchamel sauce. Elevate your brunch or dinner with this savory delight that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

8 slices of sturdy white bread (like pain de mie or pullman loaf)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated

4 ounces Swiss cheese, grated

4 slices of high-quality ham (preferably Black Forest or Jambon de Paris)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups whole milk

½ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

a. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

b. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it's a light golden color.

c. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.

d. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

e. Stir in the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

a. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.

b. On the unbuttered side, spread Dijon mustard on 4 slices.

c. Layer each with a slice of ham, followed by a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese.

d. Top each with another slice of bread, butter side up.

Cook the Sandwiches:

a. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and place sandwiches in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches).

b. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.

Add Béchamel and Cheese Topping:

a. Once cooked on the skillet, transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet.

b. Spoon a generous amount of béchamel sauce over each sandwich, then sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère, Swiss, and Parmesan cheese.

Bake:

a. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve:

a. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before cutting in half. Serve warm with a side salad or some pickled cucumbers for a delightful contrast. Enjoy your gourmet Croque Monsieur!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4