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Here is what you need to make a delicious Croque Monsieur:

Croque Monsieur

Dive into the world of French cuisine with this delightful Croque Monsieur recipe! This classic sandwich features layers of melted Gruyère cheese, savory ham, and creamy béchamel sauce, all tucked between crispy sourdough bread. Follow our step-by-step guide to master this delicious dish, learn essential tips, and explore variations like the Croque Madame.
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of crusty sourdough bread

4 slices of high-quality ham (such as Black Forest or Honey Ham)

4 slices of Gruyère cheese (or Emmental cheese)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in flour, cooking for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden color. Slowly add whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

    Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.

      Assemble the Sandwiches: On the non-mustard side of 4 slices, layer ham and one slice of Gruyère cheese. Top each with the remaining slices of bread, mustard side down.

        Cook the Sandwiches: In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the assembled sandwiches and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

          Add Béchamel Sauce: Once the sandwiches are golden, place them on a baking sheet. Pour a generous amount of the béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich, and sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over this.

            Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.

              Serve: Allow the sandwiches to cool for a couple of minutes. Slice them in half diagonally, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4