Croque Monsieur de Luxe

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
• White bread (4 slices)
• Ham (4 slices)
• Gruyere cheese (4 slices)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
5. Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot and enjoy your Croque Monsieur de Luxe!