Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan 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 pepper, and stir to combine.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
7. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet.
8. Top each slice of bread with a slice of ham and a slice of Gruyere cheese.
9. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the ham and cheese to make sandwiches.
10. Pour the sauce over the sandwiches, making sure to cover them completely.
11. Bake the sandwiches for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 500
Fat per serving: 28g
Carbohydrates per serving: 36g
Protein per serving: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
Variations:
- Croque-Madame: Add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Croque-vegetarian: Substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality bread for the best results.
- Make sure the sauce is thick enough to coat the sandwiches.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored 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, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwiches on a plate with a side salad and a garnish of fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
A side salad or roasted vegetables make great side dishes for this recipe.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, add more flour to thicken it.
- If the sandwiches are not crispy enough, broil them for a few minutes before serving.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the ham is cooked through before using it in the recipe.
Food history:
Croque-Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory, cheesy, and creamy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sandwiches hot with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: French