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For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups of whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup of Gruyère cheese, grated (for mixing into the béchamel)
How to Make a Classic Croque Monsieur
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate French grilled cheese:
Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely melted and bubbling.
- Add the flour: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a smooth paste. This is called a roux and is the base for your béchamel sauce.
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
- Set aside: Set the béchamel sauce aside while you assemble the sandwich.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
- Toast the bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered side down on a flat surface. On the unbuttered side of four slices, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce. Top each slice with a slice of ham and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese.
- Close the sandwich: Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the assembled slices, buttered side facing up. Press gently to hold everything together.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
- Cook the sandwich: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has started to melt. If necessary, you can cover the pan with a lid to help melt the cheese.
- Top with béchamel: Once the sandwiches are grilled, transfer them to a baking sheet. Spoon the remaining béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich, then sprinkle with extra grated Gruyère cheese.
Step 4: Broil for a Golden Finish
- Broil the sandwiches: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes or until the béchamel and cheese on top become golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately: Remove the Croque Monsieur from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your indulgent, crispy, cheesy masterpiece!
Tips for the Perfect Croque Monsieur
- Use good-quality ham: Since the ham is a key component of the sandwich, make sure to use high-quality, thinly sliced ham. French-style ham (jambon de Paris) works wonderfully, but any mild, lean ham will do.
- Don’t skip the béchamel: The béchamel sauce is what makes the Croque Monsieur so indulgent and rich. Avoid the temptation to skip it or substitute with something else.
- Add extra flavor: For extra flavor, you can add a small amount of Dijon mustard to the béchamel sauce or spread a thin layer on the inside of the bread before assembling the sandwich.
- Go for a Croque Madame: For an even more luxurious version, top your Croque Monsieur with a perfectly fried egg to create a Croque Madame. The runny yolk adds an additional layer of richness.
Conclusion
The Croque Monsieur is the epitome of French comfort food. With its crispy, buttery bread, savory ham, melty cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce, this sandwich is a true indulgence. Whether you’re making it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this classic French dish will impress everyone at the table. For those looking to elevate their grilled cheese game and experience a taste of France at home, the Croque Monsieur is an absolute must-try. Bon appétit!
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