Croque Monsieur
The ultimate ham and cheese toastie, Croque Monsieur is a French tradition that is perfect for brunch, lunch or even a quick and easy dinner.
How long will it take?
30 minutes
What’s the serving size?
Serves 4
What do I need?
For the Bechamel Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup plain flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices bread
- 150 g ham
- 180 g Gruyere or Emmental cheese, grated
- 70 g Parmesan, grated
- Flat leaf parsley, finely chopped, to serve
How do I make it?
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and whisk in Dijon and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 220C.
- Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Spread 4 slices of bread with bechamel and place face up on baking tray. Top with ham, some Gruyere and Parmesan (reserve some of each cheese for the tops).
- Spread remaining slices of bread with bechamel and place bechamel side up on top of the ham and cheese. Sprinkle reserved Gruyere and parmesan over the top and bake for 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Turn the oven onto grill and grill the cheese until it is golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
