• Cooking Time: 10
• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15
• 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

1. Clarified butter has a higher smoke point, which means frying can be done at a higher temperature.
2. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan at a low heat.
3. Once butter is completely melted, remove from heat.
4. After it has cooled for 5 minutes, skim off the foamy top.
5. Pour the melted liquid butter into a container and discard solids at the bottom of the pan.
6. Assemble four sandwiches using 2 slices of bread, 1 slice of ham and 2 slices of cheese for each sandwich.
7. Children can help assemble the sandwiches.
8. Spread ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard on the interior of the bread prior to assembling.
9. Brush the outside of the sandwiches with butter.
10. In a non-stick fry pan, add the clarified butter and sauté the sandwiches over medium heat.
11. Cook each side until golden brown – approximately 2.5 minutes.
14. Béchamel Sauce
15. Melt the butter and add the salt.
16. Add the flour, a little at a time, while constantly stirring with a whisk. Slowly add the milk, while continuing to whisk.
17. Sauce will thicken.
18. Do not boil.
19. Remove sauce from heat and pour several tablespoons over sandwich.
20. Place in broiler for 3- 5 minutes.

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. Learn more - visit our website :http://www.fun-french-and-spanish.com/croque-monsieur-recipe.html