Croque Monsieur – the ultimate ham & cheese sandwich!

Dive into the delicious world of Croque Monsieur, a classic French sandwich that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Learn how to create this iconic dish with layers of savory ham, melted Gruyère cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all nestled between crusty French bread. Perfect for brunch or lunch, this recipe celebrates high-quality ingredients and French culinary traditions. Try it today and experience a taste of France at home! #CroqueMonsieur #FrenchCuisine #SandwichRecipe #ComfortFood #BistroStyle

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Ingredients

8 slices of crusty French bread (such as pain de mie)

4 slices of high-quality ham (thinly sliced, such as prosciutto or jambon de Paris)

4 slices of Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for béchamel sauce)

Freshly grated nutmeg (to taste)

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden (this is called a roux).

- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

- Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- On one side of each slice of bread, spread softened butter. On the unbuttered side, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard.

- Layer 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of Gruyère on 4 of the bread slices (the mustard side).

- Top each with the other 4 slices of bread, butter side up.

Cook the Sandwiches:

- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.

- As they cook, carefully press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure they toast nicely.

Finish in the Oven:

- Place the cooked sandwiches in an oven-proof dish. Pour the béchamel sauce generously over each sandwich.

- Sprinkle any remaining Gruyère cheese on top.

- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve:

- Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

- Slice the sandwiches in half for easy eating, and serve hot with a side of mixed greens or fries.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Total Time: 40 Minutes | Servings: 4