Lunches
Croque-Monsieur
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 4 slices pain de mie or sandwich bread
- 30 g (2 tbsp) Unsalted butter
- 30 g (1/4 cup) Plain flour
- 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) Whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 120 g (4 oz) Sliced good-quality ham
- 120 g (1 1/4 cups) Grated Gruyère cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk, simmering until thickened into a smooth béchamel; season with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
- Lightly toast the bread slices, then spread a thin layer of béchamel on each.
- Layer ham and a little Gruyère between two slices to make a sandwich; repeat for the second sandwich.
- Spread the remaining béchamel over the tops and sprinkle with the rest of the Gruyère.
- Grill under a hot broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Introduction: First recorded on Parisian café menus in 1910, the croque-monsieur is the archetypal French bistro lunch: a grilled ham and cheese sandwich enriched with béchamel and a gratinéed cheese crust.
Cultural Background: First recorded on Parisian café menus in 1910, the croque-monsieur is the archetypal French bistro lunch: a grilled ham and cheese sandwich enriched with béchamel and a gratinéed cheese crust. Topped with a fried egg, it becomes a croque-madame.
Tips: Don’t skip the béchamel on top — it is what gives the croque-monsieur its signature molten, gratinéed crust.
Variations: Add a fried egg on top for croque-madame; use comté instead of Gruyère for a nuttier flavour. Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ham alternative. Use plant-based butter, milk, ham alternative and vegan cheese; make a vegan béchamel with plant milk.
Storage: Best eaten immediately; béchamel can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
Reheating: Reheat under a broiler for 2-3 minutes; microwaving makes the bread soggy.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the béchamel ahead?
A: Yes, refrigerate it covered with cling film pressed to the surface, and rewarm gently before assembling.
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