Croques Monsieurs

By ccavaletti

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp butter, at room temperature
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 1 c whole milk
• Salt and pepper
• 8 slices firm white bread
• 1/2 lb sliced deli ham
• 6 oz thinly sliced swiss, plus 2 oz. shredded (1/2 c)

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp butter over high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat, shushing occasionally, for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the broiler. Arrange 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Top each with one-quarter of the ham and sliced cheese. Spread one-quarter of the milk sauce over each sandwich; top with the remaining bread slices. Carefully spread the outsides of the sandwiches with the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter. Broil, turning once, until the bread is lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven, Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and broil the sandwiches again until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove the sandwiches, slice in half and serve immediately.

From Everyday with Rachael Ray