Paris Grilled Cheese

When I was in Paris my father was telling me that I should have a Croque Monsieur.  To be honest, I did not know what the big deal was UNTIL I went to Angelina's and had my first one.  To me, the world of grilled cheese has never been the same!!

So, for all of the people who love Croque Monsieurs but don't want to travel all the way to Paris to get one or if you want a new twist for grilled cheese, this is a winner. Also, for the kids it is the best grilled cheese ever. Here is the recipe

Croque Monsieur:

Serves 4

Bechamel:

1/2 a stick of butter

1/4 cup of all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups of whole milk

2 tbsp whole grain mustard

1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg

Kosher salt

Assembly:

8 - 1/2 thick slices of country style bread

6 oz of Paris Style ham or Black Forest Ham

3 oz Gruyere, grated

1tsp herbes de Provence

Bechamel:

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until foamy. Add flour and cook whisking constantly until mixture is pale and foamy, about 3 minutes. Add milk slowly, stirring until smooth. Turn to a boil and as soon as it gets thick take it off the heat. Add the mustard, and the nutmeg and whisk until incorporated. Bechamel can be made 1 day ahead.

Assembly:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spread the bread slices with the bechamel all the way to the edges. Place 4 slices off bread on a silicone baking sheet béchamel side up. Top with ham and cheese. Top with the remaining slice of bread with the bechamel side up. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with the herbes de Provence. Bake about 10-15 minutes or until everything is melted and the top is brown and bubbly.  Top with chopped chives and voila!  A classic french sandwich is served!

Variation: Top with a fried egg for a Croque Madame. 

Plating: I recommend having this with a caesar salad or with pommes frites (french fries)