Croque Monsieur
Photo: Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0
A croque monsieur is a hot French ham and cheese sandwich finished under the grill with a mustard-spiked béchamel. That sauce is what sets it apart from a plain toastie: it browns into a golden, bubbling lid while the Gruyère melts underneath. The name comes from croquer, to crunch, so the toasted bread matters. Make the sauce first and the rest takes minutes. Add an egg and you have a croque madame.
Instructions
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until the two are blended into a smooth paste.
Pour in the milk a little at a time, whisking constantly so the sauce stays smooth. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
Stir in the mustard, nutmeg if you are using it, and salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the bread.
Preheat the grill to high. Toast the bread lightly on both sides under the grill.
Lay the ham and cheese on the toasted bread, then spoon the béchamel over the top.
Return the sandwich to the grill until the sauce browns and the cheese melts and turns golden. Serve hot. For a croque madame, add an egg as the recipe notes.
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