Ultimate Arteflame Croque Monsieur

Introduction

Transform your Croque Monsieur into a true grilling experience with the Arteflame grill! By searing the ham and cheese on the hot flat top griddle, we create a perfectly toasted sandwich with gooey melted cheese and a beautiful crispy crust. This recipe takes classic French flavors and elevates them with the unique sear and char that only an Arteflame grill can provide.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick-cut bread (like sourdough or country white)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for grilling)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 4 slices of high-quality ham
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup béchamel sauce (see below for easy Arteflame béchamel preparation)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: fresh thyme or chives for garnish

Arteflame Béchamel Sauce

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly grated nutmeg (a pinch)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame

Prepare the Arteflame grill by stacking three paper napkins soaked with vegetable oil in the center, then stacking firewood over them. Light the napkins to start the fire, allowing it to heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is hot and ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. Place a small amount of butter on the cooler edge of the Arteflame cooktop in a small skillet.
2. Add the flour, stirring continuously until it forms a smooth roux and turns slightly golden (about 2 minutes).
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and nutmeg. Set aside near the edge to keep warm.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice.
2. Layer two slices of bread with ham, grated Gruyère, and a light sprinkle of Parmesan.
3. Top with the other bread slices, mustard side in, forming two sandwiches.

Step 4: Grill the Croque Monsieur

1. Butter the outside of each sandwich liberally.
2. Place the sandwiches on the flat cooktop, near the center but not directly on the hottest part. Press down lightly to get an even sear.
3. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, checking to ensure the bread achieves a golden, crispy crust without burning.
4. While grilling, carefully spoon some béchamel sauce onto the top of each sandwich and add a bit more Gruyère.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once the cheese is melted and the sandwich is toasted to your preference, remove it from the grill.
2. Add fresh ground pepper and garnish with thyme or chives if desired.

Tips

• For extra crispiness, add a sprinkle of Parmesan on the buttered outside of the bread before grilling.
• Use Gruyère or Swiss cheese for an authentic flavor, but other melting cheeses like Emmental or Fontina work well too.
• Monitor heat carefully; adjust the sandwich's position on the grill to avoid over-toasting.

Conclusion

Enjoy a delightful twist on the French classic, with layers of melted cheese, savory ham, and creamy béchamel. The Arteflame grill takes this Croque Monsieur to a new level with its perfectly crisped crust and smoky flavor. Serve it with a simple side salad or grilled vegetables, and savor every delicious bite!

Recipe Variations

1. Croque Madame: Top with a fried egg cooked on the cooler side of the griddle for a Croque Madame twist.
2. Mushroom Croque Monsieur: Add sautéed mushrooms between the layers for extra umami.
3. Smoked Salmon Croque: Substitute ham with smoked salmon and add a dash of dill.
4. Herb Cheese Croque: Mix fresh herbs into the béchamel sauce for an aromatic flavor boost.
5. Truffle Croque Monsieur: Add a drizzle of truffle oil or use truffle cheese to elevate the sandwich.

Best Pairings

• Side salad with a mustard vinaigrette
• Grilled asparagus or green beans
• A chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon