Name: Gourmet Croque Monsieur with Truffle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 sandwiches
Cuisine: French cuisine
Ingredients: 4 pcs artisan bread (thick slices, like brioche or pain de mie); 4 oz prosciutto (thinly sliced); 4 oz aged comte (grated); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk (warmed); 0.5 tsp black truffle oil; 0.25 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated); 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 2 tbsp chives (finely chopped, for garnish)

Golden-brown toasted brioche bread, generously filled with melted Gruyère cheese and a savory ham and béchamel sauce, is beautifully plated and finished with a delicate drizzle of truffle oil.

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 20 min. A luxurious take on the classic French sandwich, incorporating gourmet ingredients like silky prosciutto, nutty aged Comté cheese, and a hint of black truffle oil in the rich béchamel sauce for an elegant and elevated dish that’s perfect for a sophisticated brunch or light dinner.

Preparation time: 20 min
Cooking time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Servings: 2

Instructions

Prepare the Truffle Béchamel

1Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
2Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
3Remove from heat and stir in the black truffle oil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Croque Monsieur

1Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly toast the artisan bread slices if desired, but don't toast them too dark.
2Spread a generous layer of truffle béchamel on one side of each bread slice.
3On two of the bread slices, layer half of the grated Comté cheese, then the prosciutto, and then the remaining half of the Comté cheese.
4Top with the remaining bread slices, béchamel-side down if you prefer a less messy top, or béchamel-side up for extra crispiness.

Cook and Serve

1Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Spoon a little extra béchamel on top of each sandwich and sprinkle with a pinch of Comté (if preferred for extra melted cheese effect).
2Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, golden brown, and the bread is crispy.
3Remove from the oven, let rest for a minute, then sprinkle with fresh chives before serving immediately.

Instructions

Prepare the Truffle Béchamel

1Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
2Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
3Remove from heat and stir in the black truffle oil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Croque Monsieur

1Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly toast the artisan bread slices if desired, but don't toast them too dark.
2Spread a generous layer of truffle béchamel on one side of each bread slice.
3On two of the bread slices, layer half of the grated Comté cheese, then the prosciutto, and then the remaining half of the Comté cheese.
4Top with the remaining bread slices, béchamel-side down if you prefer a less messy top, or béchamel-side up for extra crispiness.

Cook and Serve

1Place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Spoon a little extra béchamel on top of each sandwich and sprinkle with a pinch of Comté (if preferred for extra melted cheese effect).
2Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, golden brown, and the bread is crispy.
3Remove from the oven, let rest for a minute, then sprinkle with fresh chives before serving immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 750 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 50 g
Carbs: 45 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	750 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	50 g
Carbs	45 g

Tips

For an even richer flavor, infuse the milk for the béchamel with a bay leaf and a clove before warmi
To achieve perfectly golden and crispy sandwiches, consider finishing them under a hot broiler for t
Serve this gourmet croque monsieur with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balan