Croque Monsieur with Texas Béchamel

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Toast 8 slices of bread in a toaster to a light golden brown.
2. Cover a baking sheet pan with parchment or a non-stick baking mat. Lay 4 slices out on baking sheet.
3. Divide ham equally between slices of bread. Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of ham. Top each sandwich with a remaining slice of bread.
4. Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high. Whisk flour into melted butter and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in milk. Whisk while mixture comes to a simmer and begins to thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and add remaining cheese. Stir together until sauce is smooth.
6. Divide cheese sauce equally between sandwiches, pushing a thin layer of sauce all the way to edges to coat bread. Bake 8 minutes and then turn oven to broil 1 to 2 minutes, just to brown tops. Serve immediately.
7. Chef's note: Croque Monsieur is an old fashioned French grilled cheese sandwich. Feel free to substitute smoked turkey for ham or add a slice of tomato inside.