Introduction
Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich made with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, then grilled to perfection. This version features melted Raclette cheese, which brings an irresistible richness and flavor to the sandwich. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a smoky, crispy finish, making it an indulgent lunch or brunch treat.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of thick-cut white bread or sourdough
- 8 slices of high-quality ham (such as Parisian or Black Forest)
- 8 slices of Raclette cheese (or about 1 1/2 cups grated)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tbsp butter (for grilling)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyère or Raclette cheese (optional for extra cheesy flavor)
For Topping:
- Extra Raclette cheese for melting on top
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Light the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches a moderate temperature, ideal for making the béchamel sauce and grilling the sandwiches.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
On the flat cooktop or in a small pan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the warmed milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in the grated Gruyère or Raclette for an extra cheesy béchamel (optional). Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Croque Monsieur
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Raclette cheese (or a handful of grated cheese) on 4 of the slices. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of béchamel sauce on top of the cheese, then top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Melt butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Place the assembled sandwiches on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Add Extra Cheese and Melt
Once the sandwiches are grilled, top each with an additional slice of Raclette cheese. Move the sandwiches to a cooler part of the grill and cover with a grill-safe lid or large metal bowl for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Step 6: Serve
Once the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, remove the sandwiches from the grill. Serve immediately with a side of green salad, French fries, or pickles for a perfect bistro-style meal.
Tips
- Perfect Melt: For an extra gooey sandwich, you can grill the sandwiches in a pan on the flat top and finish under the Arteflame’s optional lid to help melt the cheese on top.
- Ham Variations: Use smoked ham or prosciutto for added depth of flavor.
- Crunchy Bread: To get the crispiest bread, press the sandwiches lightly with a spatula or pan as they grill.
Variations
- Croque Madame: Add a fried or poached egg on top of the sandwich for a classic croque madame.
- Herb Raclette: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary in the béchamel sauce for an herby twist.
- Spicy Croque Monsieur: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the béchamel for a spicy kick.
- Truffle Croque Monsieur: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished sandwich for a luxurious touch.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free alternative.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple arugula salad, French fries, or grilled asparagus to balance the richness of the sandwich.
- Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light beer, or a sparkling water with lemon.
Conclusion
This Grilled Croque Monsieur with Raclette Cheese is the ultimate cheesy, smoky sandwich experience. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it brings together creamy béchamel, salty ham, and rich, melted Raclette for a gourmet bistro favorite cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill.
