Croque Monsieur - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 slices sourdough bread
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp plain flour
1 cup milk
1 cup aged cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus more to serve
2 tbsp honey mustard
5 1/4 oz ham, sliced

Preparation

Preheat broiler to moderate heat. Place bread on baking sheet. Broil until lightly toasted on both sides.
Melt butter in a saucepan over moderate heat. Add flour; cook and stir for 1 minute or until bubbling. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook and whisk for 3 minutes or until sauce boils and thickens.
Remove pan from heat. Add 1/2 cup of the cheese and the chopped parsley; stir until melted and smooth. Set aside.
Spread 4 slices of the bread with honey mustard. Top with ham. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with remaining bread.
Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Broil for 3 minutes or until golden and cheese melts; turn. Spread tops with cheese sauce. Broil for 4 minutes or until golden. Cut in half. Serve with parsley leaves.