Sandwiches > French

Croque-Monsieur with Béchamel Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Whisk

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Lay out 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet.
3. Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each slice of bread.
4. Top each sandwich with another slice of bread.
5. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
7. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly.
8. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
9. Cook the sauce until it thickens, stirring constantly.
10. Pour the sauce over the sandwiches, making sure to cover them completely.
11. Bake the sandwiches in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
12. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 480
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of bread you like.
- You can use any type of cheese you like.
- You can use any type of ham you like.

Variations:
- Croque-Madame: add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Croque-Salmon: replace the ham with smoked salmon.
- Croque-Végétarien: replace the ham with grilled vegetables.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cover the sandwiches completely with the sauce to prevent them from drying out.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Storage instructions:
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a plate with a side salad.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of white wine.

Suggested side dishes:
Side salad, roasted vegetables, or French fries.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk.
- If the sandwiches are too dry, add more sauce.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown to ensure that they are cooked through.

Food history:
Croque-Monsieur is a French sandwich made with ham and cheese. It originated in French cafés and bistros in the early 1900s.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and creamy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Region: French

Taste: Creamy, Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Buttery, Toasty