Croque Monsieur Recipe - or Croque Madame
Why I Love This Recipe
The basic croque monsieur recipe is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, with a crispy, crunchy exterior. The sandwich is aptly named; the french verb croquer, means “to crunch” and Monsieur means Mister. A variation is the croque madame (Mrs.), which is topped with a fried egg.
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Ingredients You'll Need
8 slices fresh bread –French bread if possible – crusts removed
4 slices baked ham or jambon de Paris
8 slices Gruyère cheese
4 Tbsp clarified butter
2 tsp dijon mustard
Béchamel Sauce
6 Tbsp butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
1 Tsp salt
Directions
Clarified butter has a higher smoke point, which means frying can be done at a higher temperature.
Melt butter in a heavy saucepan at a low heat.
Once butter is completely melted, remove from heat.
After it has cooled for 5 minutes, skim off the foamy top.
Pour the melted liquid butter into a container and discard solids at the bottom of the pan.
Assemble four sandwiches using 2 slices of bread, 1 slice of ham and 2 slices of cheese for each sandwich.
Children can help assemble the sandwiches.
Spread ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard on the interior of the bread prior to assembling.
Brush the outside of the sandwiches with butter.
In a non-stick fry pan, add the clarified butter and sauté the sandwiches over medium heat.
Cook each side until golden brown – approximately 2.5 minutes.
Béchamel Sauce
Melt the butter and add the salt.
Add the flour, a little at a time, while constantly stirring with a whisk. Slowly add the milk, while continuing to whisk.
Sauce will thicken.
Do not boil.
Remove sauce from heat and pour several tablespoons over sandwich.
Place in broiler for 3- 5 minutes.
