Croque Monsieur

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• pinch of nutmeg
• salt and black pepper
• 8 slices sturdy white or country bread
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 8 thin slices good ham
• 2 cups grated Gruyère, divided
• green salad, to serve

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper and stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese.
2. Lay 4 slices of bread on a sheet pan and toast in the oven 3 minutes per side.
3. Spread the 4 bottom slices thinly with mustard. Add 2 slices of ham and a handful of cheese to each and close with the other slices.
4. Spread the béchamel over the tops and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, then broil 1 to 2 minutes until browned in spots. Serve hot with a salad.

TipAdd a fried egg on top and it becomes a croque madame.