Croque Au Fromage

Ingredients

Baguette

1, sliced into 1-inch thick slices

Ham

8 slices, preferably a good-quality deli ham

Gruyère cheese

1 1/2 cups, grated

Unsalted butter

2 tablespoons

All-purpose flour

2 tablespoons

Milk

1 cup

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground

Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon, freshly grated

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir constantly until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Gruyère cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until fully melted and smooth.
6. On a baking sheet, arrange the baguette slices in a single layer. Spread a generous layer of the creamy cheese sauce over each slice.
7. Top each slice with a slice of ham and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Gruyère cheese on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or chopped parsley, if desired.