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Buvette Croque Monsieur Recipe

Buvette Croque Monsieur Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

Ah, the Croque Monsieur. Who can resist this indulgent sandwich dripping with cheese and layered with ham? I can still recall the first time I sank my teeth into one. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was huddled in a quaint café in Paris, watching the world whiz by outside. That warm, gooey goodness felt like a hug in sandwich form.
Fast forward to today, and I'm sharing a Buvette-inspired Croque Monsieur recipe that's sure to bring a taste of Paris right to your kitchen. This isn't just any sandwich; it's a delight that combines toasted bread, savory ham, and a luxurious cheese sauce. As a registered dietitian and genuine food enthusiast, I love crafting recipes that strike the perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 312
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup of caramelized onions
  • 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 4 teaspoons of whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • 8 slices of crusty toasted country bread
  • ¼ pound of thinly sliced baked ham
  • ¼ teaspoon of herbes de Provence
  • Cornichons

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
  1. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until you have a smooth paste. This forms a roux. Gradually add the warmed milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Sauce
  1. Once the béchamel is thick, stir in the sea salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, add the caramelized onions and half of the Gruyère cheese. Mix until smooth and remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. Spread the Dijon mustard on four slices of the toasted country bread. Layer the ham over the mustard, then spoon a generous amount of the béchamel sauce on top. Top with another slice of bread.
Step 4: Add More Sauce and Cheese
  1. Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over each sandwich and sprinkle the rest of the Gruyère cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sandwiches for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with herbes de Provence. Serve with cornichons on the side for a wonderful contrast!

Notes

  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor. Look for Gruyère that’s fresh and aged for depth.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the béchamel sauce a day in advance. Just reheat it gently before assembling the sandwiches.
  • Experiment with Cheese: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Emmental or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a unique twist.
  • Include Extras: Add sliced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms between the layers for extra texture and flavor.
  • Double the Recipe: This dish is so good that doubling the recipe for leftovers is a wise idea. You won't regret it!