A French Grilled Cheese, also known as a Croque Monsieur, is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It typically includes ham and a rich béchamel sauce, adding a creamy and savory element to the sandwich. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (preferably a sturdy white bread like brioche or pain de campagne)
- 2 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
- 2 slices of Gruyère cheese (or Emmental cheese)
- 1/4 cup béchamel sauce (recipe below)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
For the béchamel sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux (paste).
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on one slice of bread.
- Top with a slice of ham and a slice of cheese.
- Spread a bit more béchamel sauce on the second slice of bread, then place it on top of the sandwich, sauce side down.
- Grill the Sandwich:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter in the pan.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. You can press the sandwich gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling.
- Optional:
- For a “Croque Madame,” you can add a fried egg on top after grilling.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve immediately. You can garnish with a little extra béchamel on top if desired.
Enjoy your delicious French Grilled Cheese!
