Croque Monsieur

This is one of my favorite French-style street foods. It is super easy and very delicious. These few ingredients pack such a punch of flavor in a small little sandwich. The addition of bechamel sauce does not disappoint in this sandwich. I sometimes make it without the sauce and I miss it when I do. So, in my opinion, I would not skip adding the bechamel sauce. It makes all the difference.

As for the ham in this sandwich, you want a slightly sweet but mild style of ham. I prefer the farmers’ style ham cut thinly ( size 1 or 2) but you do not want it shaved thin. Since French-style water-cured ham is pretty hard to find here unless you live in a bigger city like NY, I often gravitate toward this style of ham. You can find it at any deli or just use your favorite.

Now, Let’s make some tasty sandwiches.

INGREDIENTS:
BECHAMEL SAUCE:

2 tbsp flour
400 ml whole milk
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt to taste

SANDWICH:

8 slices of french style sandwich bread ( or you can use a regular sandwich-style bread)
Butter – room temp
Dijon mustard
Gruyere cheese – sliced or grated
Deli style ham
Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and flour. Whisk until smooth. Turn the heat to medium and whisk until thickened. About 5 to 8 minutes. Add the nutmeg and salt and whisk to combine. adjust the seasoning and set aside to cool.
2. Butter 4 slices of bread, both inside and out. Then on the inside of the bread spread. a thin layer of dijon mustard and add a bit of bechamel sauce. Reserve some sauce for the top.
3. Add on a slice or two of ham and sprinkle over a bit of gruyere cheese. Save some cheese for the top as well.
4. Add the second piece of bread on top and add another layer of bechamel sauce and cheese.
5. Place the sandwiches on a sheet tray and either broil for 2 or 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden OR bake a 350* for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove and let stand a few minutes and serve hot.

• I serve them with french fries that are topped with salt, pepper, and grated gruyere cheese on top. It is the perfect side to go with it.
• If you can not find french sandwich bread any style of bread will do. I always use what I have on hand. Today it happened to be a french baguette.
• If you do not want to add the bechamel sauce that is perfectly fine. I find it adds that extra something to the sandwich but you make it how you want.
• If you want to make it a croque madame, just simply add a fried (sunny side up or an over-easy) egg on top. That makes it even better.