Croque Au Fromage

Croque Au Fromage

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Croque Au Fromage, a classic French dish that brings together the delightful combination of crispy baguette, savory ham, and gooey Gruyère cheese. Often enjoyed as a satisfying snack or a hearty meal, this dish is perfect for a cozy evening. Originating from the quaint cafes of Paris, this French toast sandwich is elevated by a luscious creamy cheese sauce, making it a beloved staple in French cuisine. Each bite is a warm hug of comfort, with the aromatic nutmeg complementing the nutty Gruyère, while the crispy edges of the baguette provide a delightful textural contrast.

Servings: 4

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.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes • Calories: 450 • Fat: 25g • Carbs: 36g • Protein: 20g • Sodium: 950mg • Sugar: 2g