Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Take 4 slices of bread and place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each.
3. Top each sandwich with another slice of bread.
4. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
5. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
6. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
7. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and whisk until combined.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
9. Pour the sauce over the sandwiches, making sure they are completely covered.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sandwiches are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
11. Let the sandwiches cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 572
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 124mg
Sodium: 1673mg
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread or sourdough bread.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with Gruyere cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Croque-Madame: Add a fried egg on top of each sandwich before baking.
- Croque-Monsieur with tomato: Add a slice of tomato on top of each sandwich before baking.
- Croque-Monsieur with bacon: Add cooked bacon on top of each sandwich before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
- Make sure the sandwiches are completely covered with the sauce to prevent them from drying out.
- Let the sandwiches cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley
Pairings:
Green salad or roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
Potato salad or French fries
Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the sandwiches are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Croque-Monsieur is a French dish that originated in Paris in the early 1900s. It is a type of grilled ham and cheese sandwich that is typically made with Gruyere cheese and served with a creamy bechamel sauce.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, creamy
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sandwiches with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Region: French