Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 8 slices of cooked bacon
- 8 ounces of Brie cheese, sliced
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
5. Butter one side of each slice of bread with the remaining butter.
6. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
7. Top each slice of bread with 1 slice of bacon and 2 slices of Brie cheese.
8. Place the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, on top of the Brie cheese.
9. Spoon the sauce over the sandwiches.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 650
Fat per serving: 44g
Carbohydrates per serving: 34g
Protein per serving: 27g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the Brie cheese with any other type of cheese that melts well, such as Gruyere or Swiss cheese.
- You can use ham instead of bacon.
Variations:
- Croque-Madame: Add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Croque-Monsieur with Turkey and Cranberry Sauce: Substitute the bacon and Brie cheese with sliced turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Croque-Monsieur with Tomato and Basil: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the sandwich.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- You can use a panini press instead of baking the sandwiches in the oven.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sandwiches in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a plate with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish the sandwiches with some chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair the sandwiches with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- French fries
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add more milk to thin it out.
- If the sandwiches are not crispy enough, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy and the cheese until melted to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Croque-Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s. It is made with ham, cheese, and bread, and is typically served hot.
Flavor profiles:
This Croque-Monsieur with Bacon and Brie is rich and savory, with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and melted Brie cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sandwiches hot with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.
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Region: French