Croque Monsieur Recipe

This Croque Monsieur is a classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Croque Monsieur:

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Milk: Scalded, creates a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm and slightly sweet spice.
• Salt and white pepper: To taste.

For the Sandwich:

• White bread: Thick-sliced, for a sturdy base.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
• Black forest ham: Thinly sliced, for a savory flavor.
• Gruyere cheese: Shredded, for a melty and nutty flavor.
• Herbes de Provence: A blend of dried herbs that adds a touch of Provençal flavor.

How to Make Croque Monsieur

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens but remains pale in color. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the nutmeg and salt, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly toast the bread slices. Spread half of the bread slices with a generous layer of béchamel sauce, and spread the other half with Dijon mustard. Place the béchamel-covered slices on the prepared baking sheet. Top each with a layer of shredded Gruyère cheese, followed by 3 slices of Black Forest ham, and another layer of Gruyère cheese. Place the mustard-covered slices on top, mustard-side down.

Step 3: Add More Béchamel and Bake

Spread 2-3 tablespoons of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with additional shredded Gruyère cheese. Sprinkle with herbes de Provence. Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then, turn on the broiler and broil for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the Croque Monsieur sandwiches from the oven and serve immediately.

How to Serve Croque Monsieur

• Classic: Serve the Croque Monsieur as a main course for a light lunch or dinner.
• With Sides: You can also serve it with a side salad, French fries, or soup.
• Brunch: It’s a perfect addition to a brunch spread, alongside other breakfast and lunch items.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F (176°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, bake for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as sourdough bread, rye bread, or even croissants.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as Gruyère, Emmental, or Comté.

Can I make this sandwich without the béchamel sauce?
While the béchamel sauce is a classic component of the Croque Monsieur, you can omit it if you prefer. You can also substitute it with a different type of sauce, such as Mornay sauce or a simple cheese sauce.

How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
You can omit the ham or use a vegetarian ham substitute.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Croque Monsieur that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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