The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich, deliciously indulgent and often found in French cafés. It consists of a combination of creamy béchamel sauce, ham, and Gruyère cheese, all grilled to perfection. When topped with a fried egg, it transforms into a Croque Madame.
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Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese until melted.
Preheat your oven's grill or broiler.
Spread a thin layer of mustard on each slice of bread.
Layer ham and half of the remaining Gruyère cheese on two slices of bread.
Top with the remaining bread slices.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Brush the outside of each sandwich with melted butter.
Cook sandwiches until the bread is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Place sandwiches on a baking sheet.
Spoon béchamel sauce over each sandwich and top with remaining Gruyère cheese.
Grill until cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
In a small nonstick pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
Slide a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
For a crispier Croque Monsieur, allow the sandwiches to rest for a few minutes to let the béchamel set slightly before cutting them.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with Emmental or cheddar cheese.
How can I make the sandwich more flavorful?
Try adding a pinch of herbs like thyme or rosemary to the béchamel sauce.
Can I prepare the béchamel sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the béchamel sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What can I serve with Croque Monsieur?
Serve with a side salad or French fries for a complete meal.
How should I store leftover sandwiches?
Wrap leftover sandwiches in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a moderate oven before serving.
