Classic Croque-Monsieur

Ingredients

• 8 slices of brioche bread 8 slices of brioche bread
• 8 slices of ham 8 slices of ham
• 200g (7oz) Gruyère cheese, grated 200g (7oz) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) whole milk 2 cups (470ml) whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to make a roux.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on one side of each bread slice.
6. 6.
   Place a slice of ham and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese on four of the bread slices.
7. 7.
   Top with the remaining bread slices, béchamel side down, to form sandwiches.
8. 8.
   In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. 9.
   Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Brioche bread — Choose a high-quality brioche bread with a soft and buttery texture for the best results.
• Gruyère cheese — Opt for aged Gruyère cheese for a stronger and more complex flavor in your Croque-Monsieur.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a layer of Dijon mustard to the bread before assembling the sandwich.
• Serve the Croque-Monsieur with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad for a refreshing contrast.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables.
• To make it more indulgent, top the sandwiches with a fried egg before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Emmental or Comté, to customize the flavor of your Croque-Monsieur.

Serving advice

Serve the Croque-Monsieur hot, straight from the oven, to fully enjoy the melted cheese and crispy bread. Cut each sandwich diagonally and serve with a side of salad or pickles.

Presentation advice

Place the Croque-Monsieur on a serving plate and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve on a wooden board or a rustic plate to enhance the French bistro feel.