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Croque Monsieur Sandwich Recipe

Croque Monsieur Sandwich Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

It’s a cloudy afternoon, and the scent of melted cheese fills the air. You’re sifting through recipes, and your heart lands on the Croque Monsieur. This isn’t just a sandwich; it's an experience layered with flavor. 
Grab a seat and a cup of coffee because we’ll explore the magic that happens between two slices of bread and how you can whip this up in your kitchen.
The Croque Monsieur has its roots firmly planted in France, where it has been serving satisfying bites since the early 1900s. 
The combination of ham, cheese, and creamy béchamel creates a melty delight that has charmed taste buds across the globe. This sandwich is an intriguing blend of simplicity and indulgence.
Let’s dive in and discover how to make this delightful dish truly shine.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 646
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Béchamel Sauce:
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter ½ stick
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced shallots
Sandwich:
  • 5 ounces premium-quality ham about 8 slices
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
  • 8 slices soft white sandwich bread
  • 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, or Emmental cheese, shredded about 2½ cups
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
    • In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
    • Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for a minute to create a roux. It should turn a light golden color.
    • Gradually whisk in the whole milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.
    • Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and whole-grain mus
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
    • Lay out the slices of soft white bread. Start with one slice and layer on the ham and thyme leaves.
    • Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the ham. Don’t skimp here; you want that cheesy goodness.
    • Top it with another slice of bread. Repeat for the desired number of sandwiches.
Step 3: Apply the Béchamel Sauce
    • Preheat your skillet on medium heat.
    • Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on the top of each sandwich. Sprinkle a bit of Parmigiano Reggiano on top for that irresistible crust.
Step 4: Toast the Sandwiches
    • Place sandwiches in the skillet, béchamel side up. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Carefully flip and apply more béchamel on the un-toasted side of the sandwich. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want both sides to be perfectly toasted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
    • Once golden and melty, transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board. Slice them in half and serve immediately. Enjoy with your paired side dishes!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality ham and cheese make a big difference. Seek out freshly sliced deli meats and good cheese.
  • Don't Skip the Mustard: This ingredient adds a unique depth to the béchamel. It’s subtle, but its absence is noticeable.
  • Toast to Perfection: Ensure each side develops a good crust. A hot skillet is essential for this.
  • Try Variations: Experiment with cheese types or try adding sautéed mushrooms for a twist.
  • Timing is Key: If making in advance, prepare the béchamel ahead of time, but toast the sandwiches fresh before serving.