Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup of chopped spinach
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 8 slices of ham
Special equipment needed:
- Frying pan
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until melted.
6. Place 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a slice of ham, a spoonful of the spinach and mushroom mixture, and a generous amount of the cheese sauce.
7. Top each sandwich with another slice of bread.
8. Spread the remaining cheese sauce over the top of each sandwich.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
10. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 580
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 1300mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 34g
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.
- Ham can be substituted with turkey or chicken.
Variations:
- Croque-Madame: Add a fried egg on top of each sandwich.
- Croque-Monsieur with Tomato: Add sliced tomatoes to the sandwich.
- Croque-Monsieur with Bacon: Add cooked bacon to the sandwich.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a good quality cheese for the sauce to ensure a rich and creamy flavor.
- Be sure to sauté the spinach and mushrooms before adding them to the sandwich to remove excess moisture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters for easier serving.
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 sandwich on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Croque-Monsieur on a plate with a side salad or soup.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad
- Tomato soup
- French fries
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the bread is too soft, toast it lightly before assembling the sandwich.
Food safety advice:
- Ensure that the ham is fully cooked before adding it to the sandwich.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
The Croque-Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that originated in Paris in the early 1900s. It is traditionally made with ham, Gruyere cheese, and bread, and is often served in cafes and bistros.
Flavor profiles:
The Croque-Monsieur with Spinach and Mushrooms is a savory and creamy sandwich with a hint of nutmeg and black pepper. The spinach and mushrooms add a fresh and earthy flavor to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Croque-Monsieur with Spinach and Mushrooms as a hearty lunch or dinner.
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Region: French