Croque Monsieur
The croque monsieur is a classic French dish that has gained worldwide popularity over the years. This heavenly sandwich is made by grilling slices of ham and Gruyere cheese between two slices of bread that have been slathered with béchamel sauce. Once the sandwich is assembled, it is then toasted until it’s golden brown and the cheese has melted. The result is a crispy and melty delight that is sure to satisfy any craving.
The origin of the croque monsieur dates back to France in the early 1900s, where it was first served in cafes as a quick lunchtime snack. The name “croque monsieur” roughly translates to “crunchy mister,” which describes the crispy exterior of the sandwich. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the croque monsieur became a staple dish in French brasseries and bistros, where it continues to be a popular menu item today.
To make a croque monsieur, you will need a few simple ingredients, including bread, ham, Gruyere cheese, and béchamel sauce. The bread used for a croque monsieur is typically white or wheat bread, sliced thin, and toasted until it’s golden brown. For the ham, you can use any type that you prefer, such as prosciutto or smoked ham.
Gruyere cheese is the traditional cheese used in a croque monsieur, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese. The béchamel sauce is a classic French white sauce made by combining butter, flour, and milk. It provides the sandwich with a rich and creamy flavor that complements the savory ham and cheese.
When preparing the croque monsieur, it’s important to assemble the ingredients carefully to ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors. Start by spreading a generous amount of the béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread. Then, layer a slice of ham and a handful of shredded Gruyere cheese on top of the béchamel sauce.
Once the sandwich is assembled, place it on a griddle or a cast-iron skillet and grill it until it’s golden brown and the cheese has melted. For a little variation, you can also add a fried egg on top of the croque monsieur to make it a croque madame.
In conclusion, the croque monsieur is a classic French dish that is easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or a comforting snack, the croque monsieur is sure to hit the spot. So break out your apron and try your hand at making this classic French sandwich today!
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Begin making the béchamel sauce: melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the milk and nutmeg, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Take two slices of bread and stack a slice of ham and a slice of Gruyere cheese on top of one slice. Repeat with remaining slices of bread, ham, and cheese.
- Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce over each sandwich, making sure to cover both sides.
- Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is crispy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious French Croque Monsieur!