ReceptnaptárCroque monsieur (ham and cheese grilled sandwich)
The croque monsieur is the classic hot sandwich of Parisian bistros: ham and melted cheese between two slices of buttered bread, topped with béchamel and gratinéed cheese. Add a fried egg on top and it becomes a croque madame. It works for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner.
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Ingredients
Method
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- For the béchamel, melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and cook for 3-4 minutes until thick. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg, and stir in half the mustard and a third of the cheese.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter side down, and top with a little béchamel, a third of the cheese, two slices of ham each and a little more cheese.
- Cover with the other two slices, butter side up. Fry in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Preheat the oven to 200 °C on the grill setting. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet, spread the tops thickly with the remaining béchamel, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake under the grill or on the top shelf for 5-7 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately with a knife and fork and a small salad.
A Receptnaptár original recipe. Calories and protein are estimated.
Tips
- Use slightly stale bread so it holds the béchamel better.
- Gruyère is best, but Emmental or other melting cheese works too.
- Keep the béchamel thick, or it will run off.
- With a fried egg on top, you get a croque madame.
Frequently asked questions
Can it be prepared ahead?
You can assemble the sandwiches and keep them for 2 hours in the fridge. Spread the béchamel before baking.
Can it be made without the oven?
A skillet works too, but the béchamel-gratinéed top really needs the oven.
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