Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Croque-Monsieur


Directly translated, the words croque monsieur become “crispy mister.” Essentially, it’s a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. But don’t let the seeming simplicity of this bore you. It is so much more than that. This simple grilled ham and cheese sandwich is also topped with a rich and creamy béchamel, additional freshly grated cheese (in this case Gruyere), and then put under the broiler until it gets hot, brown, and beautifully bubbly. This is like no grilled cheese sandwich you have ever had. Yes, it’s a little more effort than just slapping some cheese between two pieces of bread and shoving it into your toaster oven, but the extra work is well worth the sinfully delicious taste. Make this once, and you will never be satisfied with a plain old grilled cheese sandwich again. 
Croque-Monsieur

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
1 bay leaf

4 slices firm white sandwich bread
4 ounces thinly sliced Black Forest ham
4 ounces sliced Gruyère cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/4 cup grated Gruyère cheese
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Add nutmeg and bay leaf. Increase heat to medium-high and boil until sauce thickens, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat broiler. Place 2 bread slices on work surface. Top each with half of ham and sliced Gruyère. Top with remaining bread. Heat heavy large skillet over low heat. Brush sandwiches with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Add to skillet and cook until deep golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to small baking sheet. Spoon sauce, then grated cheese over sandwiches. Broil until cheese begins to brown, about 2 minutes.

Looking for something to feed the family? Try this Croque-Monsieur Pie!



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9 comments:

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

After seeing this my leftover slice of pizza for lunch seems so lame....yummmm I've never tried this but have often heard about it. Pinning!!

Alycia Nichols said...

Just. Hush. Up!!!!!!!!!!! Saboteur!!!!!! This is the perfect sandwich to lure me off track! I was watching the movie “Julie and Julia” last night (again!), and this seems like the kind of sandwich that belongs in a movie like that! I’ll be cursing you as I’m sweating, huffing, and puffing on the treadmill!!!:

thepaintedapron.com said...

Absolutely hands down best sandwich ever! I can't wait to try your recipe Pattie!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I just gained 5 pounds looking at the pictures, but I have a feeling it is so worth it. Thanks for sharing the recipe....pinned!

The Lazy Gastronome said...

That looks like a decadent sandwich! Thank you so much for sharing at the What's for Dinner party!

Helen at the Lazy Gastronome said...

Now that looks like a decadent sandwich! Thank you so much for sharing at the What's for Dinner party!

Anonymous said...

Pattie, this sandwich looks absolutely amazing! My mouth is watering. Thank you so much for sharing with us at the Whimsical Wednesdays Link Party!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Your sandwich looks so sinful, Pattie! I'll have to make this soon.

Miz Helen said...

One of my favorite sandwiches, this looks so good! Thanks so much for sharing with us on Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend!
Miz Helen