Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of prosciutto
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 cups of arugula
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Lay out the slices of bread on a baking sheet.
3. Top each slice of bread with a slice of prosciutto, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.
4. Bake the bread in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. While the bread is baking, make the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
7. Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
8. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the saucepan and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top each slice of bread with a spoonful of the béchamel sauce.
10. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly.
11. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top each slice of bread with a handful of arugula.
12. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 480
Fat per serving: 28g
Carbohydrates per serving: 32g
Protein per serving: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread.
- Prosciutto can be substituted with ham or bacon.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with Gruyere or cheddar cheese.
- Arugula can be substituted with spinach or kale.
Variations:
- Croque-Madame: add a fried egg on top of each Croque-Monsieur.
- Croque-Monsieur with Tomato: add sliced tomatoes on top of each Croque-Monsieur before baking.
- Croque-Monsieur with Mustard: spread Dijon mustard on each slice of bread before assembling the sandwich.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a good quality Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
- Be sure to whisk the béchamel sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Serve the Croque-Monsieur immediately after adding the arugula to prevent it from wilting.
Storage Instructions:
The Croque-Monsieur can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the Croque-Monsieur in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Croque-Monsieur on a plate with a side salad or soup.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side salad or a bowl of soup.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the béchamel sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, cover the baking sheet with foil.
Food Safety Advice:
Be sure to cook the Croque-Monsieur to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food History:
The Croque-Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s.
Flavor Profiles:
The Croque-Monsieur is a savory sandwich with a creamy béchamel sauce, salty prosciutto, and nutty Swiss cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Croque-Monsieur as a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
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Region: French