Croque Monsieurs a la Rachelle My take on French gr

Name: Croque Monsieurs a la Rachelle My take on French grilled cheese and ham sammys
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 slices good quality white bread, buy bread at in-store fresh bakery section of a large market or local bakery and have it sliced for you; 6 tablespoons butter, divided; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups half-and-half or milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt, eyeball it; 2 tablespoons prepared Dijon mustard, plus extra to pass at the table; 3/4 pound French or French style ham, such as Mandrange, deli sliced or, sliced boiled ham; 2/3 pound thinly sliced Gruyere or Swiss cheese (recommended: Emmentaler); 1 small jar cornichons or baby gherkin pickles, available on condiment aisle of market; 1 small jar pickled onions, also available on condiments aisle

Servings: persons

8 slices good quality white bread, buy bread at in-store fresh bakery section of a large market or local bakery and have it sliced for you
6 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half or milk
1/2 teaspoon salt, eyeball it
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon mustard, plus extra to pass at the table
3/4 pound French or French style ham, such as Mandrange, deli sliced or, sliced boiled ham
2/3 pound thinly sliced Gruyere or Swiss cheese (recommended: Emmentaler)
1 small jar cornichons or baby gherkin pickles, available on condiment aisle of market
1 small jar pickled onions, also available on condiments aisle

1
Line up 8 slices of bread on a work surface.
2
Heat a small saucepot over medium heat.
3
Add 2 tablespoons butter and melt.
4
Add flour to the butter and whisk together.
5
Cook flour and butter together for 1 to 2 minutes, then whisk in half-and-half or milk.
6
Bring sauce to a bubble and thicken another 1 or 2 minutes.
7
Season sauce with salt, then whisk in prepared Dijon mustard.
8
Heat a large nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat.
9
Spread each slice of bread with Dijon bechamel sauce and build 4 sandwiches with 2 or 3 slices of ham and 2 slices of cheese per sandwich.
10
The Dijon bechamel sauce will help hold the meat and cheese in place.
11
Make slices of ham and cheese rest flat; do not pile the meat or cheese.
12
Butter the tops of the 4 sandwiches and set onto griddle or grill, buttered side down.
13
Butter opposite side of each sandwich while the first side is grilling.
14
Toast sandwiches 4 minutes on each side, turn with thin spatula.
15
Serve with cornichons, pickled onions and extra Dijon mustard to pass at table.

1332

kcal

Calories

131

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 slices good quality white bread, buy bread at in-store fresh bakery section of a large market or local bakery and have it sliced for you, 6 tablespoons butter, divided, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups half-and-half or milk, and more.

Yes, Croque Monsieurs a la Rachelle My take on French grilled cheese and ham sammys falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Croque Monsieurs a la Rachelle My take on French grilled cheese and ham sammys

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions