Think of it as grilled cheese’s elegant Parisian cousin. Crunchy on the outside, gooey and creamy on the inside — with that golden cheese top that sizzles.
🛒 Ingredients (for 2 sandwiches)
For the sandwiches:
4 slices white bread (pain de mie or brioche if you're extra)
4 slices ham (Jambon de Paris or any good-quality cooked ham)
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, but très français)
1 tbsp butter (to spread on bread)
For the béchamel sauce:
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk (warm)
Pinch of salt, pepper, nutmeg
1/4 cup grated cheese (same as above)
👩🍳 Instructions:
🧑🍳 1. Make the béchamel Melt 1 tbsp butter in a small saucepan.
Add flour, whisk until it forms a smooth paste (1 min).
Gradually pour in warm milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Stir in 1/4 cup cheese until melted and creamy. Set aside.
🥪 2. Assemble the sandwich Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
On the other side (inside), spread Dijon mustard.
Add a slice or two of ham and a generous sprinkle of cheese.
Top with the second slice (buttered side facing out).
🔥 3. Grill it Pan-fry the sandwich in a skillet on medium heat until both sides are golden brown and crispy (3–4 min per side).
🔥🧀 4. Broil to perfection Place the grilled sandwiches on a baking sheet.
Spoon béchamel sauce on top, then a final layer of grated cheese.
Broil (or bake at high heat) for 3–5 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
🍳 Optional Upgrade → Croque Madame Just top with a fried or poached egg and voilà! Madame enters the chat 🥚👒
🥂 Serving Ideas: Side salad with vinaigrette
A glass of cold white wine or sparkling water with lemon
