Description
Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel is a delightful twist on a classic French sandwich that combines crispy bread, savory ham, and a creamy béchamel sauce, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread
- 8 slices of sourdough or brioche bread
Ham
- 8 slices of thinly sliced deli ham
Cheese
- 1 cup of grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
Béchamel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until it forms a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on one slice of bread. Layer with ham and cheese, then top with another slice of bread. Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Add More Béchamel: Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon additional béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich, then sprinkle with extra cheese.
- Broil for Perfection: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the béchamel; a well-made sauce is key.
- Experiment with cooking methods, such as using a panini press.
- Make it ahead of time by assembling the sandwiches and storing in the fridge.
- Monitor cooking times as each stove may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg