Classic Croque Monsieur with Crisp Salad

Name: Classic Croque Monsieur with Crisp Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 slice sandwich bread; 6 slice cooked ham; 4 ounce Gruyere cheese (shredded); 2 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cup mixed green lettuce; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 0.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard

A delightful and speedy take on the French café classic, featuring toasted bread, savory ham, creamy Gruyere cheese, and a quick béchamel sauce, served alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
Servings: 3
Cuisine: French
Difficulty: Easy

Dietary

Nut-Free
Soy-Free
High-Protein

Ingredients

6 slice sandwich bread
6 slice cooked ham
4 ounce Gruyere cheese (shredded)
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
3 cup mixed green lettuce
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
0.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

For the béchamel, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until a paste forms. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Season with 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of béchamel on one side of each of the 6 slices of sandwich bread. Layer 3 slices of bread with 2 slices of cooked ham and 1 ounce of shredded Gruyere cheese each. Top with the remaining bread slices, béchamel-side up. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyere cheese on top of each sandwich.
Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You may need to cook in batches.
While sandwiches cook, prepare the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the mixed green lettuce with the vinaigrette.
Serve the hot Croque Monsieur sandwiches immediately with the crisp green salad on the side.

Notes

Ensure béchamel sauce is smooth for best results. For extra flavor, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the béchamel.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 580
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 1250 mg
Saturated Fat: 19 g
Sugar: 7 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg