Teresa's Recipes
Croque Monsieur de Luxe
Indulge in the rich flavors of this deluxe version of the classic French Croque Monsieur sandwich. Layered with savory ham, melted Gruyere cheese, and a luscious homemade béchamel sauce, this elevated treat is baked to perfection. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and gooey interior, each bite is a heavenly experience that transports you to a Parisian café. Perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich is a true celebration of French culinary artistry!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 slices White bread
- 4 slices Ham
- 4 slices Gruyere cheese
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 2
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until slightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
- On two of the bread slices, layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Gruyere cheese on top of the béchamel sauce. Place the remaining bread slices on top, sauce side down.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and a splash of milk. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little butter and cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Croque Monsieur de Luxe!
Tips
- For a twist, try adding a thin layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the layers of ham and cheese.
- Consider using a blend of cheeses for added flavor, such as Emmental or cheddar.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, broil the top for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.