Carefully Crafted Croque Monsieur
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins | Makes: 2 serves
INGREDIENTS
- 40g butter, softened
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1/2 cup (125ml) milk
- 1/3 cup (40g) coarsely grated gruyere or Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup (40g) coarsely grated vintage cheddar
- 4 thick slices sourdough vienna
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 150g shaved ham
Do you want to master the perfect toastie? If the answer is oui (yes) then this is the recipe for you! With an added french twist, this sandwich is the perfect lunch or early dinner snack that is guaranteed to lift your spirits no matter the mood you're in because a) it's delicious and b) it's very simple to make.
After all, qui n'aime pas les sandwichs au fromage grille? (which roughly translates to 'who doesn't love a fancy toasted cheese sandwich' or something along those lines).
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Method
1. Melt half the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until the mixture is slightly grainy. Remove from the heat and add the milk.
2. Use a balloon whisk to whisk the mixture until it's well combined. Return the pan to the heat and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes or until the sauce boils and thickens. Remove from the heat.
3. Add half of the gruyere or Swiss cheese and half of the cheddar (cheese galore) and stir until all the cheese melts and the mixture is combined. Season it to taste.
4. Heat a bbq grill or chargrill on medium and brush the bread evenly with the remaining butter. Cook the bread on the grill for 1 minute or until lightly toasted underneath.
5. Transfer the bread, toasted side up, to a clean work surface. Spread half of the bread with mustard, the cheese sauce and top it with ham. Sprinkle with the remaining gruyere or Swiss cheese and remaining cheddar (don't think about all the cheese you'll be consuming shortly).
6. Top with the remaining bread, toasted side down and cook the sandwiches on the grill for 2-3 minutes each side or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
7. Cut in half and serve immediately. YUM.