Irresistible Ultimate Croque Monsieur: Your New Comfort Food Delight
Discover the Irresistible Ultimate Croque Monsieur, a crunchy yet gooey sandwich filled with cheese and ham, perfect for brunch or lunch.
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Calories: 600kcal
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Skillet
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices Sourdough or white bread Thick slices for sturdiness
- 4 oz Thinly sliced ham High-quality preferred
- 6 oz Gruyère cheese Essential for gooey texture
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter For grilling
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 1 cup Whole milk For creamy béchamel
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour To thicken the sauce
- 1 pinch Nutmeg For added warmth
Instructions
Making the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, roughly 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg for warmth.
Assembling and Cooking
- Spread a generous layer of the béchamel on one side of each slice of bread. Layer with thinly sliced ham and a hearty helping of Gruyère, then top with another slice of bread.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a baking sheet, sprinkle with additional Gruyère cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
- Carefully cut the sandwiches diagonally and serve hot. Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal!
Notes
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of mustard for an extra zing. You can assemble the sandwiches in advance and store them in the refrigerator; grill and bake before serving for a quick meal.