A Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich made with ham, melted cheese, and a rich béchamel sauce. It’s typically toasted or baked until golden and gooey. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious treat at home:
Ingredients:
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For the sandwich:
- 8 slices of white bread (preferably a French baguette or similar)
- 4 slices of deli ham
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Emmental)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
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For the béchamel sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Make the béchamel sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s a light golden color, but be careful not to burn it.
- Slowly add the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking and stirring for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Assemble the Croque Monsieur:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a skillet for stovetop cooking.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place a slice of ham on four of the bread slices.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the ham.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, mustard-side down, to form sandwiches.
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Prepare the sandwich for baking:
- Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich.
- Add a bit more shredded cheese on top of the béchamel for an extra cheesy finish.
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Cook the Croque Monsieur:
- Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- For an extra crispy top, place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
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Serve:
- Once the Croque Monsieur is golden and melted, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a side of salad or fries for a complete meal.
Optional Variations:
- Croque Madame: Add a fried egg on top of the sandwich to make it a “Croque Madame.”
- Cheese options: You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, though Gruyère is the traditional choice.
- Bread options: You can use whole wheat or sourdough bread if you prefer.
Enjoy your homemade Croque Monsieur!