French Croque Monsieur with Gruyère Cheese

Ingredients

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

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   To make the béchamel sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. 03
   Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
4. 04
   Gradually pour in the warmed milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. 05
   Season the béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. 06
   Lightly butter one side of each bread slice with the softened butter.
7. 07
   Place four slices of the buttered bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on each slice.
8. 08
   Add a slice of ham and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese on top of the béchamel.
9. 09
   Top each sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
10. 10
    Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on top of the sandwiches and sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the sauce.
11. 11
    Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
12. 12
    Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Croque Monsieur.