A Croque Monsieur is the epitome of French café culture: a delightful, crispy, and cheesy sandwich that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. This golden-brown ham and cheese sandwich, topped with creamy béchamel sauce, makes for a perfect brunch or quick meal.
Easy Croque Monsieur Recipe
2
servings15
minutes15
minutes568
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Sandwich:
4 4 slices of white bread
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 4 slices good-quality ham
60 g 2/3 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
120 ml 1/2 cup whole milk
1 pinch 1 pinch nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
Medium saucepan- Whisk
- Small baking tray
- Oven
- Spatula
- Bread knife
Directions
- 1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden but not brown.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lightly toast the bread slices to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on two slices of bread if desired.
- On top of each mustard-coated slice, layer ham and sprinkle with some of the cheese.
- Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and spread butter on the outsides of both sandwiches.
- Grill each sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese inside starts to melt.
- Top with Béchamel and Bake:
- Preheat your oven.
- Place the grilled sandwiches on a baking tray. Spoon the béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle cheese over the béchamel-covered tops.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Once the Croque Monsieur is golden and crisp on top, remove from the oven.
- Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer, more indulgent sandwich, swap white bread for brioche.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While Gruyère or Emmental are traditional, you can substitute with Swiss cheese, cheddar, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. However, Gruyère provides the most authentic taste.
