Croque Monsieur
Photography by Sarah Tuck.
One of my all-time favourite indulgent brunches!
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS
Bechamel Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons plain flour
1½ cups whole milk
1¼ cups grated parmesan
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
sea salt and ground pepper
To assemble
4 large slices sourdough or ciabatta
3 tablespoons butter
6 slices good-quality ham off the bone
1 cup caramelised onions (optional)
½ cup grated gruyère cheese
METHOD
Sauce: Heat the butter in a saucepan over a gentle heat until just melted. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon. Add the milk in three lots, stirring continuously, until well incorporated. Whisk it while cooking until the sauce is thickened and smooth – it should end up being thick and silky.
Add the parmesan, nutmeg and mustard and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper then refrigerate to cool.
Preheat the oven to 200°C and put an oven tray in to heat.
To assemble: Butter one side of each piece of bread. Lay 2 pieces butter-side down on a piece of baking paper. Spread each piece with 3 tablespoons of béchamel sauce and 3 pieces of ham. Top with the onion (if using) and remaining bread, butter side up. Spread with 3 more tablespoons of sauce each. Sprinkle with gruyère cheese and pop in the oven until golden and bubbling, for about 15 minutes. Serve with extra Dijon mustard if desired.
Keep up to date with
dish weekly recipes,
food news, and events.
Related Content
latest issue:
Issue #119
Welcome to 2025 and a brand-new year of whipping up delicious recipe withdish! We start the year right with issue 119, jam-packed with easy, mouthwatering meals to make at home. From stunning salads to quick and tasty one-pan chicken dishes, to spectacular sweet treats. We have duos covered with our dinners for two, plenty of wonderful recipes for easy flavour-packed entertaining and make the most of the abundance of fresh seasonal produce. We finish off with a whistle-stop tour of South Australia’s wine country and a round-up of our top tipples from 2024. The latest issue of dish is on sale NOW at all good bookstores and supermarkets – don’t miss it!