This Croque Monsieur is an absolute icon in my book. It relies on 4 elements: thick-cut brioche, a rich nutmeg béchamel, savory ham, and plenty of Gruyère.
Prep 10 minutesmins
Cook 30 minutesmins
Total 40 minutesmins
Equipment
small saucepan
whisk
baking sheet
parchment paper
cheese grater
Ingredients
2.5tbspbutter
2.5tbspflour
1 1/3cupmilkwarmed
1/8tspnutmeg
1/4tspwhite pepper
1tspdijon mustard
2tbspchivesfinely chopped
saltto taste
8slicesbrioche breadthick cut
8slicesham
8ozgruyèreshredded
4ozparmigiano reggianograted
Instructions
Make the Béchamel: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 4 minutes to remove the flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and let the sauce thicken, about 5 minutes. Stir in nutmeg, white pepper, dijon mustard, chives, and salt.
2.5 tbsp butter, 2.5 tbsp flour, 1 1/3 cup milk, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 2 tbsp chives, salt
Assemble the Sandwiches: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 slices of brioche bread on the baking sheet and spread the béchamel evenly onto the tops. On top of the béchamel, layer the ham slices and about 1 oz of the shredded Gruyère. On the remaining 4 slices of bread, spread the béchamel on one side and then place them sauce-side up on the sandwiches. Top each one with the remaining cheese and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
8 slices brioche bread, 8 slices ham, 8 oz gruyère, 4 oz parmigiano reggiano
Bake and Broil: Bake for 12-15 minutes and then broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Serve immediately. All rights reserved.