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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