Made with ham, cheese, sharp mustard and soft, sweet bread, the classic French croque-monsieur sandwich elevates brunches and lunches.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-2/3 cups whole milk
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 8 slices brioche bread
• 12 slices deli ham
• 12 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour; cook until lightly browned and bubbly, 2-3. Slowly whisk in milk; cook until thickened, 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne. Remove from heat; set aside.
2. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each piece of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon bechamel sauce on 4 of the slices of brioche. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Top bechamel with three slices of ham, and 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyere. Place other half of brioche slices on top. Spread remaining bechamel sauce on top of sandwiches. Sprinkle with remaining shredded Gruyere. Bake 6-7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Turn oven to broil; broil 1-2 minutes or until tops are lightly golden brown.