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Croque Monsieur

Enjoy a warm and indulgent Croque Monsieur, a classic French sandwich featuring ham, melted cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sandwich
  • 4 slices thick white bread A day or two-old bread works best for a sturdy sandwich.
  • 4 slices ham Opt for high-quality ham for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese Freshly grated is recommended for better melting.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Provides a flavorful kick.
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour This will thicken the sauce.
  • 1 cup whole milk Warm the milk slightly before adding.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For an extra cheesy flavor.
  • 1 pinch nutmeg Enhances the flavor of the béchamel.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Season according to preference.

Method
 

Make the Béchamel Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
  2. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute, avoiding any lumps. The mixture should resemble a smooth paste or roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to mix until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
Assemble the Sandwiches
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice. On two of the slices, layer ham and half the grated cheese. Top with the other bread slices, mustard side down.
Add the Sauce and Bake
  1. Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce over each sandwich, followed by the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  2. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden. Broil for the last minute for a crispy crust.
Serve
  1. Serve hot, ideally with a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup.

Notes

For variations, try adding vegetables or different types of cheese. Can be made vegetarian by substituting ham with mushrooms or spinach.