Take your weekend brunch to another level with this proper croque monsieur
This posh French cheese and ham toastie needs attention to detail – but it’s well worth it
Croque monsieur: for when you need a bit more je ne sais quoi than the classic cheese toastie. Photograph: iStock/Getty
Loyal as I am to the classic cheese toastie, sometimes the occasion demands something with a bit more je ne sais quoi, which is where the croque monsieur comes in. Though in truth it’s not much more than a hot cheese-and-ham sandwich with a fancy name, it always conjures visions of busy brasseries – which is exactly where I’d like to be right now.
CROQUE MONSIEUR
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes 2
Ingredients
4 slices soft white bread (see step 1)
50g butter
1tbsp flour
100ml milk
80g Gruyère (see step 4)
Nutmeg, to grate (optional)
2tbsp Dijon mustard
2 slices baked ham