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 cup of grated Gruyere cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet and top each slice with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
3. Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the cheese to make a sandwich.
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 grated Gruyere cheese and whisk until melted.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Pour the cheese sauce over the sandwiches.
10. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 550
Total fat: 28g
Saturated fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Total carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Swiss cheese, you can use Gouda or Cheddar cheese.
- Instead of ham, you can use turkey or chicken.
Variations:
- Croque-Madame: add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Croque-Provencal: add sliced tomatoes and black olives to the sandwich.
- Croque-Monsieur with Mushroom Sauce: replace the cheese sauce with a mushroom sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, cream, and white wine.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality bread for the sandwich, such as sourdough or French bread.
- You can make the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, you can add more milk to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover croque-monsieur in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the croque-monsieur in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the croque-monsieur on a plate with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top of the croque-monsieur for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair the croque-monsieur with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled zucchini
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, you can add more grated cheese to thicken it up.
- If the bread is getting too brown before the cheese sauce is bubbly, you can cover the sandwiches with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the croque-monsieur until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the sandwiches are heated through to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Croque-monsieur is a classic French sandwich made with ham and cheese, typically served hot. It originated in French cafés and bistros in the early 1900s and has since become a popular dish around the world.
Flavor profiles:
The croque-monsieur is rich and savory, with the ham and cheese providing a salty and creamy flavor, while the cheese sauce adds a tangy and cheesy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the croque-monsieur as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a hearty snack.
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Region: French