Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 8 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
Special Equipment Needed:
- Non-stick skillet
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a non-stick skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the mixture and whisk until well combined.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until melted.
7. Spread the remaining 2 tbsp of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
8. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
9. Top each slice of bread with a layer of smoked salmon.
10. Spoon the cheese sauce over the smoked salmon, covering it completely.
11. Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
12. Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
13. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 580
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 1270mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread or sourdough bread.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Smoked salmon can be substituted with cooked ham or turkey.
Variations:
- Croque-Madame: Add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Croque-Monsieur with Prosciutto: Substitute smoked salmon with prosciutto.
- Croque-Monsieur with Brie: Substitute Gruyere cheese with Brie cheese.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to spread the butter evenly on each slice of bread to ensure even browning.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the cheese sauce from sticking to the pan.
- Thinly slice the smoked salmon to ensure it cooks evenly in the oven.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover croque-monsieur in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the croque-monsieur on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the croque-monsieur on a plate with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the croque-monsieur with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
- Pair the croque-monsieur with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Side salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the bread is not browning evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make 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 made with ham, cheese, and bread. It originated in French cafes in the early 1900s.
Flavor Profiles:
- The croque-monsieur with smoked salmon has a rich and savory flavor from the cheese sauce and smoked salmon.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the croque-monsieur as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: French