Description
A classic French ham and cheese sandwich with a creamy béchamel sauce, perfect for indulgent lunches or brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices sturdy white sandwich bread or pain de mie
- 6–8 thin slices quality cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) grated aged gruyère cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- A pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard if using.
- Prepare the bread and fillings: Lay out 8 slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of béchamel on one side of each slice. On four slices, layer 1-2 slices of ham and sprinkle about ½ cup of grated gruyère cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, béchamel side down, to form sandwiches.
- Butter the sandwiches: Spread the remaining 1 tablespoon softened butter on the outside of each sandwich (top and bottom).
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until a deep golden crust forms and cheese starts melting.
- Finish with cheese topping (optional): Spoon more béchamel on top of each sandwich, sprinkle with the remaining grated gruyère, and place under the broiler or in a 400°F oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm: Let sandwiches cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set slightly.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs in the béchamel or additional cheeses. Monitor the heat while cooking to ensure even results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, ham and cheese recipe, béchamel sauce, comfort food