American Grilled Cheese Vs. French Grilled Cheese
Joshua Weissman pits the two most famous grilled cheeses against each other to find the ultimate grilled cheese.
Joshua Weissman•
Jul 20, 2022
Ingredients (18)
Ingredients (18)
American Ham and Cheese
French Ham and Cheese (Croque Madame) Mornay Topping
Assembly
Directions
American Ham and Cheese
On 1 slice add pepper jack cheese, 2 slicesof smoked ham on top, 1 slice, another 2 slices, and finally, 1 slice. Top your sandwich with the other 1 slice.
Spread softened butter on both sides of the sandwich, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Set a 12 inches nonstick pan over medium heat, add in your sandwich, and toast for one minute or until toasted to a golden brown; flip and toast the other side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, and the cheese is fully melted. Serve immediately.
French Ham and Cheese (Croque Madame) Mornay Topping
Set a medium sauce pot over medium heat, and add butter. Once melted and bubbling, add flour, whisk together and cook for 1 minute, stirring often or until it begins to turn very light tan. Then whisk in milk, and stir constantly until it begins to thicken.
Cut off the heat and stir in Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt, and optionally add a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg.
Assembly
1 slice, add enough Gruyere cheese to coat that slice, 2 slices, and more cheese on top of the ham, add the 1 slice, and spread butter on both sides of your sandwich.
Set a 12 inches nonstick pan over medium heat and toast for 1 or 2 minutes; flip and toast the other side for another 1 - 2 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove your sandwich from the pan, place onto a sheet tray. Pour your mornay sauce to coat the entire top, then add a ¼ cup-½ cup mound of Emmental cheese on top. Place under the broiler for 1 -2 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned.
Top the hot sandwich with fresh chives, slice your sandwich in half, and serve immediately.
