Description
A classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich, elevated with a creamy béchamel sauce and a hint of Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of white bread
- 4-6 slices of cooked ham
- 4-6 slices of Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Nutmeg, a pinch (optional)
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If using, whisk in the egg yolk off the heat.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble the sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, layer ham and then cheese.
- Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining four bread slices, buttered side up.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Grill the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra decadent Croque Monsieur, you can broil the top of the sandwich for a minute or two before serving to get a crispy, browned cheese topping.
- You can substitute Dijon mustard for a little tang in the béchamel sauce.
- For a Croque Madame, top the finished sandwich with a fried egg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: French