Food Town Croque Monsieur (French Ham & Cheese Sandwich)

Prep: 10 min, Cook: 20 min

4 Servings

Ingredients

Béchamel sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• dash of ground nutmeg

Sandwich:

• 8 thin slices white or sourdough sandwich bread
• 5 ounces good quality ham, about 8 slices
• 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, or Swiss Cheese, grated (about 2½ cups)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Béchamel sauce:

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring well until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard and nutmeg. Set aside while you make the sandwiches. (sauce can also be made a few days in advance)

Assemble sandwiches:

1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Spread each bread slice with a layer of béchamel to the edges. Place 4 slices of bread, béchamel side up, on prepared baking sheet.
3. Top each with a piece of ham, a handful of Swiss or Gruyere, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, béchamel side up, and top with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake at 425 degrees F for about 5-6 minutes until the cheese is melted. Then turn the oven to broil and broil until the cheese on top is lightly golden, 2-4 minutes.

To make this into a Croque Madame sandwich, make the recipe as instructed, then fry eggs (one for each sandwich, sunny-side up) in a separate skillet while the sandwiches toast in the oven. Place an egg on top of each sandwich.

Normal Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.