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French Croque Monsieur

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PREP TIME
25 min
COOKING TIME
20 min
TOTAL TIME
45 min
SERVINGS
4 servings
Lunch French
French Croque Monsieur
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 8 slices rustic bread
  • 8 slices deli ham
  • 2 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2
Combine milk and cream in a microwave-safe container, then heat them in the microwave on high power for approximately 90 seconds. The liquid should feel warm to the touch at this stage.
3
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually add flour and continue stirring until the entire amount of flour is evenly coated in butter, and it starts to bubble along with the butter, approximately 2 minutes. Slowly pour in warmed milk and cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, stirring continuously for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Set aside for later use.
4
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Cook 4 slices of bread on one side for about 4 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown color. Place the cooked bread slices on the prepared baking sheet, with their browned sides facing downwards.
5
Spread a generous amount of Bechamel sauce evenly across each piece of bread, covering it from edge to edge. Place 2 slices of deli ham on top of the sauce, followed by 1/2 cup of grated Gruyere cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top, spreading a layer of Bechamel sauce across each one as well. Finish by sprinkling the top of each sandwich with 2 tablespoons of grated Gruyere cheese and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
6
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted, taking about 5-7 minutes.
7
Next, activate your oven's broiler and carefully position the baking sheet 6 inches away from the heat source. Broil the sandwiches for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they develop a bubbly and golden brown top. Be cautious not to scorch the parchment paper or burn the cheese, as this can easily happen.
8
Once done, allow the sandwiches to cool slightly before cutting them in half and serving warm.