Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 slices rustic bread
8 slices deli ham
2 ½ cups grated Gruyere cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute until bubbly. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer the ham and a generous amount of Gruyere cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake until golden, about 10 minutes. Flip the sandwiches, cover each with the bechamel sauce and remaining cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add mustard to the sandwich before layering the ham.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, bechamel sauce, Gruyere cheese, comfort food