Croque Monsieur Recipe
The Croque Monsieur is a classic French ham and cheese sandwich, pan-fried or baked to crispy, golden perfection. This deliciously rich and cheesy sandwich is made with buttery toasted bread, thinly sliced ham, melty Gruyère or Emmental cheese, and a luscious béchamel sauce. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Bread knife
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Skillet or griddle (if pan-frying)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk warm
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg optional
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
- For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of white bread brioche or country bread recommended
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 8 thin slices of ham Parisian or Black Forest ham
- 1 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- For the Topping Optional:
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth and lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup warm milk, stirring continuously until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and ½ cup grated cheese. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Spread Dijon mustard on one side of 4 bread slices.
- Layer 2 slices of ham and ¼ cup grated cheese on top.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the inside of the remaining 4 slices of bread, then place them on top to form sandwiches.
- Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich.
- Step 3: Cooking Options
- Pan-Frying Method (Classic & Crispy)
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
- Baking Method (More Traditional & Cheesy)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread béchamel sauce on top and sprinkle with extra cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Let sandwiches cool for a minute, then serve warm with a green salad or French fries.
Notes
Cheese Options: Substitute Gruyère with Comté, Emmental, or Swiss cheese for a different taste.
Bread Choice: Brioche, country bread, or even sourdough works well.
Make Ahead: Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking.
Bread Choice: Brioche, country bread, or even sourdough works well.
Make Ahead: Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking.