How To Make Croque Monsieur

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces gruyere, grated (5 cups)
• 16 slices white bread, crusts removed
• 1 pinch nutmegCroque Monsieur
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 cups hot milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces baked Virginia ham, sliced but not paper thin
• Dijon mustard

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour all at once and stir with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes.

Step 3

Slowly pour the hot milk into the butter-flour mixture, while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the salt, pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup grated Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese. Set the sauce aside.

Step 5

Place the bread slices on 2 baking sheets and toast them in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Flip each slice and bake for an additional 2 minutes, until they are toasted.

Step 6

Lightly brush half of the toasted bread slices with mustard. Place a slice of ham on each of these slices and sprinkle with half of the remaining Gruyere cheese. Top with another piece of toasted bread.

Step 7

Spoon the cheese sauce generously over the top of the sandwiches. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese on top.

Step 8

Bake the sandwiches for 5 minutes. Then, turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 9

Serve the sandwiches hot.