Ham and Spinach Croque-Monsieurs
A staple of French Bistro, croque-monsieurs combine the comfort of toasted bread, ham and melted cheese. My Ham and Spinach Croque-Monsieurs have a little bit of greens, too!
Ingredient (serves 4):
8 large slices wholemeal bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups freshly made Béchamel Sauce
Parmesan
4 cups baby spinach, rinsed
4 slices good quality deli ham
Preheat oven to 205°C/400°F. Line a baking tray wit baking paper.
Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. Place four slices, buttered-side down onto the baking tray.
Keep Béchamel Sauce warm over a low flame, and grate in about 1/2 cup Parmesan. Stir until melted. Then, stir in baby spinach, until just wilted and folded in. Remove from the heat.
Spoon one heaped tablespoon of spinach Béchamel onto each of the prepared bread slices (the four on the baking tray, and the four remaining as well.) Place one slice deli ham onto each of the baking tray bread slices. Top ham slices with one heaped tablespoon spinach Béchamel. Grate a little Parmesan on top.Press top bread slice gently on top of each sandwich.
Bake, 20 to 25 minutes, at 205°C/400°F, until top is golden brown.
Serve Ham and Spinach Croque-Monsieurs hot. And if you fancy a bit more, with a fried egg on top, Croque-Monsieurs become Croque-Madames!
