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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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: French
Keyword: bistro style, comfort food, French cuisine, gourmet sandwich, Irresistible Ultimate Croque Monsieur, sandwich
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.