Description
Learn how to make the perfect Croque Monsieur, a classic French sandwich featuring crispy toasted bread, creamy béchamel sauce, smoky ham, and melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting and indulgent recipe is quick and easy to prepare, ideal for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner. Enjoy restaurant-quality French flavors in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Meat
- 4 thick slices sturdy white bread or pain de mie
- 4 to 6 thin slices ham (classic smoky ham)
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) grated Gruyère cheese
Béchamel Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Additional
- Butter for toasting
- Mustard (optional, for spreading on bread)
Instructions
- Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired for subtle warmth.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on one side of each bread slice. On one slice, optionally spread a little mustard. Then layer slices of ham and a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, béchamel side down.
- Add Sauce and Cheese on Top: Spread another layer of béchamel sauce on the top slice of bread. Evenly sprinkle plenty of Gruyère cheese to ensure a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake or Broil: Place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Then switch to broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Croque Monsieur to a plate and let it rest for about a minute to slightly set the cheese. Enjoy while warm and melty.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Gruyère cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid béchamel lumps.
- Choose sturdy, thick bread to prevent sogginess.
- Balance the amount of ham and cheese to ensure perfect texture and melt.
- Watch closely when broiling as the top can burn quickly.
- Optional variations include using different cheeses, adding fried egg to create Croque Madame, or substituting ham with vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Freeze unbaked assembled sandwiches for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen, adjusting time accordingly.
- Reheat leftovers in oven or toaster oven for best texture; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, béchamel, Gruyère cheese, ham sandwich, French comfort food, brunch recipe