French Croque Monsieur with Béchamel

Ingredients

• 8 slices white sandwich bread
• 8 slices ham
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   To prepare the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
3. 03
   Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. 04
   Season the béchamel sauce with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 05
   Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, buttered side down, on a baking sheet.
6. 06
   Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice, then top with a slice of ham and a generous amount of Gruyère cheese.
7. 07
   Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side up. Spread a little more béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich, then sprinkle with additional Gruyère cheese.
8. 08
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. 09
   Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.