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Gourmet Croque Monsieur with Rich Béchamel Sauce”
Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of sturdy white bread
- 8 slices of good quality cooked ham
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Skillet or frying pan
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Oven broiler
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your broiler to a high setting.
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to make a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Butter each slice of bread on one side. Place four slices, buttered side down, on your work surface.
- Layer each with ham and a sprinkle of Gruyère.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- On a baking sheet, broil the sandwiches for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden and toasted.
- Add Béchamel and Final Cheese Layer:
- Remove the sandwiches from the oven. Spread a generous amount of béchamel on top of each sandwich and sprinkle with more Gruyère cheese.
- Broil the Croque Monsieur:
- Return the sandwiches to the broiler and cook until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the hot sandwiches for a touch of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey, accompanied by a light salad or some pickles to cut through the richness.
Title for the Recipe:
“Ultimate Croque Monsieur with Creamy Béchamel”
This title emphasizes the luxurious nature of the sandwich, highlighting the creamy béchamel sauce that sets it apart from ordinary ham and cheese sandwiches. Enjoy crafting this savory masterpiece that’s sure to delight any palate!
