How to Make Croque Monsieur
Step #1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Step #2: Melt butter in your smallest saucepan over medium-low heat. After a few minutes, it will start to bubble. Once you see the bubbles, add the flour and begin to whisk. Cook, whisking, for two to three minutes until smooth and bubbly. Pour the milk in very slowly while continuing to whisk. Cook and whisk for another four or five minutes, until thick. Step #3: Meanwhile, place your slice of bread in the preheated oven and toast for three or four minutes per side. Step #4: Once the sauce is thick, turn off the heat and add the nutmeg, black pepper, and a third of the cheese. Set aside. Step #5: Remove the toasted bread from the oven and spread a teaspoon of mustard onto two of the pieces. Lay half of the ham on top of the mustard, followed by half of the remaining cheese. Top the sandwich with another piece of bread, then place on a broiling rack over a baking sheet. Pour the sauce all over the top of the sandwiches, then bake in the oven for 5 minutes. To reheat, place the sandwich in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Microwaving is not advised as it can make the bread soggy.
