Croque Monsieur (368)

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter ((½ stick))
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
• dash of ground nutmeg
• 8 thin slices white sandwich breads
• 5 ounces good quality ham (about 8 slices)
• 6 ounces Gruyere cheese (,or Emmental cheese, grated (about 2½ cups))
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring well until the mixture is smooth. Cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened. 
2. Season with a little bit of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard and nutmeg. Set aside while you make the sandwiches, or make the sauce up to 1 week in advance.
3. Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a baking tray with parchement paper and set aside.
4. Spread each bread slice with a layer of béchamel, spreading it all the way to the edges. Place 4 slices of bread, béchamel side up, on prepared baking sheet. 
5. Top each with a piece of ham, a handful of gruyere, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Place remaining slices of bread on top, béchamel side up, then top with remaining gruyere and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake at 425 degrees F for about 5-6 minutes, until cheese is melted, and then turn the oven to broil and broil until the cheese on top is lightly golden, 2-4 minutes.