Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 8 slices of ham
- 2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
6. Spread 1 tablespoon of the béchamel sauce on each slice of bread.
7. Place a slice of ham on top of the sauce on 4 slices of bread.
8. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Gruyere cheese on top of the ham.
9. Top each with another slice of bread, sauce side down.
10. Spread the remaining béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich.
11. Sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyere cheese on top of the sauce.
12. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it on top of each sandwich.
13. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 620
Fat: 43g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 1480mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with sourdough bread or brioche.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Croque Madame: Add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Croque Hawaiian: Add a pineapple slice on top of each sandwich.
- Croque Veggie: Substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the butter when making the béchamel sauce.
- Make sure to spread the sauce evenly on each slice of bread.
Storage instructions:
Croque Monsieur can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a plate with a side salad or French fries.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad or French fries.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, place the sandwich under the broiler for a few minutes.
- If the bread is getting too brown, cover the sandwich with foil while baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sandwich to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and creamy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: French