Classic French Croque Monsieur Sandwich Recipe

Introduction:

The Croque Monsieur sandwich is a classic French dish that is a favorite among sandwich enthusiasts around the world. This delicious and indulgent sandwich features layers of ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, all sandwiched between slices of crusty bread and toasted to perfection. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making a perfect Croque Monsieur sandwich that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of thickly sliced bread (white or whole wheat)
• 8 slices of cooked ham
• 200g (7oz) of Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 250ml (1 cup) of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
3. Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
5. Lay out the slices of bread and place 2 slices of ham on each slice.
6. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese over the ham.
7. Spoon a few tablespoons of the prepared béchamel sauce over the cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface of the sandwich.
8. Place another slice of bread on top, creating a sandwich.
9. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter.
10. Carefully transfer the sandwich to the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
11. Once the sandwich is cooked, transfer it to a baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining sandwich.
12. Once all the sandwiches are cooked, spoon any remaining béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with additional Gruyère cheese.
13. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Remove from the oven and let the sandwiches cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes/Tips:

• You can use any type of cheese that melts well if you don’t have Gruyère cheese. Swiss or Emmental cheese are good alternatives.
• If you want to add some extra flavor, you can spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bread slices before assembling the sandwich.
• To make it a Croque Madame, simply top each sandwich with a fried egg.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a classic French Croque Monsieur sandwich recipe that is sure to impress. This indulgent and flavorful sandwich is perfect for a hearty lunch or a delicious brunch. With its layers of ham, cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce, it’s hard to resist the allure of a Croque Monsieur. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ:

Q: Can I make a Croque Monsieur without a béchamel sauce?
A: While the béchamel sauce is a traditional component of a Croque Monsieur, you can omit it if you prefer a simpler version of the sandwich. Simply layer the ham and cheese between slices of bread and toast until golden brown.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like for your Croque Monsieur. However, traditionally, a crusty bread such as baguette or brioche is used for an authentic French taste.

Q: Can I make a Croque Monsieur ahead of time?
A: It is best to make and serve the Croque Monsieur immediately to ensure the bread stays crispy and the cheese is melted. However, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook and serve them.