Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons thyme
  • 1 loaf ciabatta (extra-long) or 1 loaf French bread (extra-long)
  • 3 tablespoons mustard
  • 3/4 lb deli ham
  • 2 cups grated gruyere cheese
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Method

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat for a few minutes until hot.
  • In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine, cooking for 2 minutes and stirring occasionally.
  • Add 1 tbsp of thyme and slowly whisk in the milk.
  • Simmer the bechamel sauce for 2 more minutes while whisking. Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix the 3 cheeses together in a bowl.
  • Slice loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Fill with mustard, ham and half of the cheese mixture. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until the cheese is melted.
  • Preheat the broiler. Spread the bechamel sauce on top of the sandwich and sprinkle over the leftover cheese mixture. Broil until golden-brown, about 6 minutes.
  • Garnish with the remaining thyme.