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Bon Appetit Croque Monsieur Recipe

Bon Appetit Croque Monsieur Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

As a food enthusiast, I have found that certain dishes carry a special magic. They evoke memories, remind us of gatherings, and often have a comforting quality. One such dish is the croque monsieur.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 518
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Béchamel Sauce
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter ½ stick
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Assembly
  • 6 oz. high-quality ham, ideally Paris ham approximately 8 slices
  • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
  • 3 oz. Gruyère cheese, shredded around 1½ cups
  • 8 slices of ½”-thick handmade bread

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
  1. First things first. The béchamel sauce is critical to getting that luscious, creamy texture. Here's how to make it:
    1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly but not browned.
    2. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly until it turns a light golden color.
    3. Gradually whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
    4. Add in the smoked paprika, stone-ground mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
  1. Now let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This will help with that golden toastiness we all crave.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. Time to build the sandwich!
    1. Start by laying four slices of bread on a clean surface.
    2. Divide the ham evenly among the bread slices.
    3. Sprinkle the herbes de Provence over the ham.
    4. Add a generous layer of shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the ham.
    5. Place the remaining bread slices on top.
Step 4: Coat the Sandwiches
  1. This step is essential for that perfect finish.
    1. Spread a ladle of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich. Don’t hold back; coat it generously.
    2. Top each sandwich with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Sandwiches
    1. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
    2. Keep an eye on them! The aroma will be heavenly, so resist the urge to peek too often.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Once done, take the sandwiches out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Slice them in half, serve warm, and watch faces light up.

Notes

  • Use high-quality ham. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
  • Opt for fresh Gruyère cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty taste.
  • Experiment with bread types. Sour dough or a rustic loaf can add unique character.
  • Try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms. It gives an earthy depth to the sandwich.
  • Don’t skip the béchamel sauce. It’s what sets this sandwich apart from a basic grilled cheese.