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