Croque Monsieur

A delightful French ham and cheese sandwich topped with béchamel sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese
• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices bread
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Method

1. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux.
2. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until a thick béchamel sauce forms.
3. Add salt and pepper to the sauce, then stir in half the cheese.
4. Spread mustard on bread slices, add ham, and top with béchamel and remaining cheese.
5. Grill the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Chef's tips

• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
• Press the sandwich with a panini press for a crispier crust.