Croque Monsieur
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter +1/2 tablespoon
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- 2 cups about 3/4 pound grated Gruyere or Emmenthaler Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grainy mustard
- 4 slices French country bread (large round loaf)
- 4 slices ham
- Start by making the béchamel sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add the flour, and mix briskly with a whisk for 2 minutes. Still over low heat, add 2 cups of the milk, Continuing to whisk briskly. When the sauce comes to a boil, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
- Remove from the heat, and let cool.
- Spread butter on one of the side of the bread (will be bottom side)
- Spread mustard on the other side (top)
- Top each slice of bread with a slice of ham and then liberally with the béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle with the grated gruyere, and cook in an oven or under a broiler until golden brown.
- Serve with pomme frites or salad