Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich that combines the rich flavors of ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese, all sandwiched between slices of crusty bread. This delicious and indulgent dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• For the béchamel sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sandwich:
• 4 slices of good-quality white bread
• 8 slices of cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the béchamel sauce:
   a. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   b. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns pale and frothy.
   c. Gradually pour in 1 cup of whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
   d. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
   e. Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Assemble the sandwiches:
   a. Lay out four slices of white bread on a clean surface.
   b. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each slice of bread.
   c. Place 2 slices of cooked ham on top of 2 of the bread slices.
   d. Sprinkle a generous portion of grated Gruyère cheese over the ham.
   e. Place the remaining 2 slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
3. Add the béchamel and cheese topping:
   a. Pour the prepared béchamel sauce evenly over the top of each sandwich.
   b. Sprinkle additional Gruyère cheese on top of the béchamel.
4. Cook the Croque Monsieur:
   a. Preheat your oven's broiler or a toaster oven to high heat.
   b. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and transfer them under the broiler.
   c. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Serve:
   a. Carefully remove the Croque Monsieur from the oven.
   b. Optionally, garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
   c. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade Croque Monsieur!

Croque Monsieur is best served immediately while it's hot and the cheese is gooey. Pair it with a simple green salad or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying French comfort food experience. Bon appétit!