Croques Meurice

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Nutrition facts (per serving): 213 cal (10g fat, 9g protein, 7g fiber)

The French Croques Meurice is famous for its delicious and rich cheesy flavor. Made out of Pullman bread, this Meurice pairs well with all types of eggs.

Ingredients (16 servings)

16 (1 1/2-inch cube) white Pullman bread

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons melted

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/3 cup whole milk

4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded

1/4 cup finely diced baked ham

Pinch of grated nutmeg

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation

At 375 degrees F, preheat your oven. Using sharp scissors cut a 1/2-inch square from the center of each bread cube. Dice the removed bread center into cubes. Toss those bread cubes with the 2 tablespoons of butter in a mixing bowl. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes, until toasted. Increase your oven’s temperature to 425 degrees F.

In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add flour to the butter and cook over medium heat, mixing, until smooth, about 1 minute. Stir in milk and mix until it makes a thick paste.

Remove this hot mixture from the heat and fold in the cheese and ham. Season with the salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Spoon the cheese filling into the hollowed bread cubes. Bake for almost 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.