Croque Monsieur

April is National Grilled Cheese month, and today is National Grilled Cheese day.
Plus, we are still working on the Easter ham. (You know I hate to waste)  This equals Croque Monsieur – a dressed up version of a grilled ham and cheese.
I happen to be out of Parmesan ; not sure how that happened, but Gruyere and sharp cheddar went together very well!

For the sauce:
melt 2 tbsp of butter, and stir in 2 tbsp of flour
whisk in about a cup of milk – whisking until it thickens
add a dash of salt and nutmeg
finally stir in 1 cup of cheese (Gruyere and cheddar blend)
set this aside

Pre-heat the oven to 400F
Toast 8 – 12 slices of bread (depending of number of sandwiches needed) by baking on a sheet for about 5
minutes. Turn and bake for an additional minute or two until both sides are golden.

Grate 4 – 6 ounces of Gruyere
Brush bread with Dijon (if using) top with ham (you can use how much and whatever variety you prefer) and half of the grated cheese
Top with the remaining slices of bread
Spread on the sauce
Sprinkle with the remaining cheese
Bake for 5 minutes, and then broil  for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and begins to brown.

 ~ Happy Grilled Cheese Day

Enjoy!