About Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur is a classic French grilled sandwich that is both simple and delicious. It typically consists of ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, all layered between slices of crusty bread.
The sandwich is then buttered and toasted until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
Ingredients:
8 slices of bread (traditionally white bread or French baguette)
8 slices of ham
4 slices of Gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes a creamy sauce (béchamel). Stir occasionally.
6. Season the sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
7. Lay out 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet.
8. Place a slice of ham on each bread slice, followed by a slice of Gruyère cheese.
9. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared béchamel sauce over the cheese.
10. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to form sandwiches.
11. Spread a thin layer of butter on top of each sandwich.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let the sandwiches cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Croque Monsieur
⦁Croque Monsieur is best served immediately after being cooked as it can become soggy if left for too long.
⦁Traditionally, this sandwich is made with ham and Gruyere cheese, but you can also use other types of cheese and meats to personalize the recipe to your taste.
⦁To make a Croque Madame, simply add a fried egg on top of the sandwich before serving.
⦁If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can substitute bread with slices of ham or turkey to make a “Croque monsieur wrap.”
⦁Be careful when placing the sandwich in the oven, as the cheese can melt quickly and make a mess if it falls off the bread.
⦁Serve Croque Monsieur with a side salad or some fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 650kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1651mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 10g | Potassium: 455.1mg