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La Madeleine Croque Monsieur Recipe

La Madeleine Croque Monsieur Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

Ah, the La Madeleine Croque Monsieur. Just hearing the name conjures up dreams of cozy Parisian cafés, where every bite feels like a warm embrace. I remember the first time I savored this indulgent delight. 
The crunch of toasted bread, the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and the savory ham created a burst of flavor that still dances in my memories. Crafting this dish at home might seem daunting, but trust me, it's a culinary adventure worth taking. 
Let’s explore this beloved recipe, filled with rich history and delightful flavors, and learn why it deserves a spot in your kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Calories: 672
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • The Sandwich
  • 2 teaspoons of unsalted butter
  • 4 slices of honey wheat bread
  • 8 slices of savory ham
  • 2 ounces of aged Swiss cheese
  • The Sauce
  • 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Measure out butter, cheese, ham, and the sauce components. Having everything at hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually, add the whole milk while constantly stirring. This keeps lumps away and helps achieve that creamy texture. Bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll want it to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
  1. Once the béchamel starts to thicken, stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. This infusion of flavors is where the magic happens, resulting in a aromatic sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter one side of each bread slice. On the non-buttered side, layer the ham and aged Swiss cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing outward. Repeat with the remaining slices.
Step 5: Cook the Sandwiches
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, place the sandwiches and cook until golden brown on one side, roughly 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip them to brown the other side.
Step 6: Add Béchamel and Cheese Topping
  1. Once both sides are golden, transfer the sandwiches to a baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over each sandwich and sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Pop the sandwiches in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden, about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Step 8: Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Choose good-quality ham: The flavor of the ham greatly impacts the sandwich. Opt for a fresh, mildly sweet variety for a better bite.
  • Experiment with cheeses: While Swiss is traditional, feel free to mix in Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread holds up better to the saucy goodness. It won’t become too soggy.
  • Broil for a finishing touch: For an extra crispy top, consider broiling the sandwiches for a minute before serving. Just monitor them closely to avoid burning.
  • Serve with pickles: Adds a refreshing crunch and acidity that balances the rich flavors.