Croque Monsieur
User Reviews
5
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Servings
4 sandwiches
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Calories
928 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
French
Croque Monsieur
Description
The Croque Monsieur combines slices of French bread layered with savory ham and grated Gruyère cheese. The key to this sandwich lies in its béchamel sauce, made by thickening milk with butter and flour, then incorporating Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses. The bread is lightly toasted before assembling, which prevents sogginess and adds crunch. Once assembled, the sandwich is topped generously with béchamel and more cheese, then baked until the topping develops a creamy and lightly browned crust. The Dijon mustard spread on the bread provides a subtle pungency that complements the richness of the cheese and sauce.
The toasted bread slices provide structure and contrast to the gooey interior as the Gruyère melts among the tender ham. This dish works well as a satisfying meal on its own but can also be paired with a simple green salad to add freshness. The creamy sauce and ham make it filling and flavorful, suitable for those who enjoy classic dairy-rich French sandwiches.
Ingredients
Béchamel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese packed, grated
Sandwich
- 1 1/2 cups gruyere cheese 6 oz, grated
- 8 lices French bread or Italian loaf bread
- 12 ounces ham sliced, leftover
- Dijon mustard to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter on medium/low heat until it just starts to bubble.
- Add the flour, stirring until smooth for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously. Cook until it's thickened and then remove from heat.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg and then slowly stir in the parmesan and about 1/4 cup of the Gruyère and stir to melt all of the cheese.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add sliced bread and add them to the oven, cook for a couple of minutes on each side to toast. Or use a toaster oven - but you will still need parchment paper lined baking sheets.
- Add bread slices to parchment lined baking sheet and brush the toasted slices with mustard, to taste (we love a lot of mustard!). Add the ham slices and about 1 cup of the remaining Gruyère cheese. Top with the other toasted bread slices.
- Spoon on the béchamel sauce to the tops of the sandwiches. Sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
- Bake in the oven on the medium rack for 5 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly browned. You can also grill the sandwiches in a skillet on the stove top and then just finish them in oven to melt the cheese.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4sandwiches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 928 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 928kcal | 46% |
| Carbohydrates | 80g | 27% |
| Protein | 54g | 108% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Cholesterol | 137mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 2017mg | 84% |
| Potassium | 568mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 846IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 735mg | 74% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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