Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur: A Culinary Journey to the Heart of France

Croque monsieur is a classic French sandwich that is made with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce. This decadent sandwich is a popular breakfast, lunch, or dinner option in France. Croque monsieur can be served on its own or with a side salad.

Historical Origins

The origins of croque monsieur can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed that the sandwich was invented in a Parisian café. The name "croque monsieur" means "mister crunch" in French.

The Perfect Bread

The key to a great croque monsieur is the bread. The traditional bread used for croque monsieur is pain de mie, a type of white bread that is similar to Pullman bread. However, other types of bread can also be used.

The Essential Ingredients

In addition to bread, croque monsieur is made with the following ingredients:

• Ham: Thinly sliced ham is the traditional meat used for croque monsieur.
• Cheese: Gruyère or Emmental cheese is the traditional cheese used for croque monsieur. However, other types of cheese can also be used.
• Béchamel sauce: Béchamel sauce is a white sauce that is made with milk, butter, and flour. It is used to add flavor and moisture to the croque monsieur.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Top one slice of bread with ham and cheese.
4. Place the other slice of bread on top, béchamel sauce side down.
5. Place the sandwich in a baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve the croque monsieur hot.

Cooking Tips

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of Gruyère and Emmental cheese.
• If you don't have béchamel sauce, you can use a white sauce made with milk, butter, and flour.
• You can also add other ingredients to your croque monsieur, such as mushrooms, onions, or tomatoes.
• Croque monsieur can be cooked ahead of time and reheated in the oven or on the stovetop.
• Leftover croque monsieur can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Croque monsieur is a delicious and versatile sandwich that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, croque monsieur is a great dish for beginner and experienced cooks alike. So next time you're looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal, give croque monsieur a try. You won't be disappointed!

Cost: $10-$15