High-quality ham, Gruyere cheese, and a rich Bechamel sauce are a decadent combination in these recipe for tasty, hot croque monsieur sandwiches made on French bread.
Preparation Time
10 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Calories
1682 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour until blended but not colored, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Assemble sandwiches: Place all 8 bread slices on a work surface in a single layer. Spread each slice evenly to the edges with Bechamel sauce; all the sauce may not be needed. Divide ham evenly between 4 of the bread slices, trimming if necessary so it is within 1/2 inch from the edges. Top all 8 slices with equal amounts of Gruyere cheese, spreading it evenly to within 1/4 inch of the edges.
Step 4
Lift the 4 bread slices with sauce and cheese and keeping the cheese facing up, place on top of the slices layered with ham. Transfer sandwiches to the prepared sheet pan.
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese topping is melted and golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cups whole milk
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
8 (1/2 inch thick) slices high quality French sandwich bread
12 ounces thinly sliced jambon de Paris (high-quality, wet-cured ham)
