Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 slices of ham
- 1/4 cup of Café de Paris butter (recipe below)
Special equipment needed:
- Griddle or large skillet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the salt, black pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Spread the Café de Paris butter on one side of each slice of bread.
6. Place a slice of ham on four slices of bread. Top with the cheese sauce. Cover with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
7. Place the sandwiches on the griddle or skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 600
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 1500mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 31g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken.
Variations:
- Croque Madame: Top each sandwich with a fried egg.
- Croque Monsieur with tomato: Add sliced tomato to the sandwich before adding the cheese sauce.
- Croque Monsieur with bacon: Add cooked bacon to the sandwich before adding the cheese sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality bread for the sandwich, such as sourdough or French bread.
- Make the Café de Paris butter ahead of time for easier preparation.
- Use a griddle or large skillet to cook multiple sandwiches at once.
Storage instructions:
The sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sandwiches in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a platter with a side salad or soup.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sandwiches with chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair the sandwiches with a glass of white wine or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Tomato soup
- French fries
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the bread is burning before the cheese is melted, lower the heat and cook for a longer time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ham is fully cooked before adding it to the sandwich.
- Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator at or below 40°F.
Food history:
The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich made with ham and cheese. It originated in French cafes in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
The sandwich is savory and cheesy, with a hint of nutmeg and black pepper.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sandwiches hot with a side salad or soup.
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Region: French