While living in France as a teen I had my first bite of a croque monsieur and I was totally bowled over. Warm melted cheese, a creamy sauce, and salty ham sandwiched between crusty toasted bread was an irresistible combination that made me feel très Parisienne.
Now as a busy mom, I’m not interested in pulling off a béchamel sauce at 7 a.m. before school, but I don’t let that stop me from making this simplified version of the classic croque monsieur.
I figure if you can’t bring your lunch box to France, bring a little bit of France to your lunch box.
2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
2 slices Gruyère cheese
2 slices ham
1. Preheat a waffle iron.
2. Spread the Dijon mustard on one slice of bread and the mayonnaise on the other slice.
3. Place a slice of cheese on 1 slice of bread. Layer on the ham and another slice of cheese and top with the remaining slice of bread.
4. Place the sandwich in the waffle iron and cook for 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown and crisp.
5. Cut into quarters and serve.