We love a good ham and cheese toasty – they’re so simple, and yet so delicious. The classic French Croque-Monsieur uses a béchamel but we have replaced that step with a little crème fraîche topping for a slightly lighter (and easier) result.
Note: top this sandwich with a still-runny fried egg to make the equally classic Croque-Madame.
Prep time
15 mins
Serves
4-6
Cook time
20 mins
Good for
Lunch, Snack, Dinner
220 g grated Gruyere cheese (or your favourite melting cheese)
200 g crème fraiche
4 – 6 tsp Dijon mustard
12 slices Primo double smoked leg ham
8 slices sourdough
50 g unsalted butter
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Combine the cheese, crème fraîche and mustard in a bowl and season to taste. Spread the cheese mixture over all 8 slices of sourdough. Top 4 of the slices with the ham then place the remaining slices of sourdough on top, cheese side up.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once foaming, fry the base of the sandwiches in batches until golden and toasted. Transfer to a baking tray then place in the oven. Cook until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling. Serve immediately.