Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 4 cups of fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground 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 (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter 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 to taste.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
7. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet.
8. Top each slice with a slice of ham, a handful of spinach, and a generous amount of grated Gruyere cheese.
9. Cover each sandwich with another slice of bread.
10. Pour the béchamel sauce over the sandwiches, making sure to cover them completely.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
12. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 820
- Fat: 52g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of bread you prefer.
- You can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
Variations:
- You can add sliced tomatoes or mushrooms to the sandwiches.
- You can use a different type of sauce, such as hollandaise or tomato sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- You can make the béchamel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the sandwiches before baking them for up to 1 month.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sandwiches on a bed of fresh spinach leaves for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted asparagus with lemon and garlic
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sandwiches are not browning evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before handling food.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- The Croque-Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
- The Croque-Monsieur with Spinach and Béchamel is a rich and savory sandwich with a creamy and nutty flavor from the Gruyere cheese and a hint of bitterness from the spinach.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a glass of white wine for a classic French meal.
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