It is fun and amazing to realize that changing just one ingredient in a recipe can make it an entirely new recipe. This open-faced sandwich uses a delicious bechamel sauce and ham, but changing the top and bottom will determine how the end result comes out. I love food experiments!
SOFTWARE
· 1 T. butter
· 1 T. flour
· 1 c. milk (room temperature)
· Dash of nutmeg (freshly ground)
· Kosher salt
· 2 1/4 c. Gruyere cheese, shredded, divided
· 12 slices lean ham, thinly sliced (Black Forest ham is good here)
· 4 slices country white bread or 2 English muffins (this is where the fun begins)
· 4 eggs (oh, and also here)
· Freshly ground black pepper
METHOD
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it slightly bubbles.
2. Whisk in the flour until it is entirely incorporated.
3. Continuing whisking and slowly add the milk. Keep gently whisking until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat.
4. Add 1/4 c. of the shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
5. Turn on your broil to heat it up.
6. If you are aiming for Croque Benedict, lightly toast your English muffins.
7. Place parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet.
8. Place the bread slices or English muffin halves on the parchment paper.
9. Add three slices of ham to each piece of bread/muffin.
10. Spoon a thin layer of the bechamel sauce over each stack of ham. Thin, not skimpy.
11. Divide the remaining 2 c. of shredded cheese and top each sandwich.
12. Put the pan under the broiler for about 3 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown and delicious.
13. If you are aiming for Croque Madame or Croque Benedict, fry your eggs to sunny side up or over easy. Your choice.
14. When the broil is done, remove each slice from the baking sheet to a plate.
15. If you are aiming for Croque Monsieur, season with black pepper and serve.
16. Otherwise, top each slice with the fried egg, season with black pepper for Croque Madame.
17, If you are aiming for Croque Benedict, add some Hollandaise sauce over the entire dish, then serve.
18. Enjoy.
VARIANTS
This whole recipe is a variant. Go eat.
