Back arrow Recipe details
Lunch
share icon Share

Croque Monsieur

time icon

30min

servings icon

4 servings

cook this dish Cook this dish

The Croque Monsieur is a classic French café sandwich that elevates the humble ham and cheese to gourmet status. Thick slices of bread are filled with premium ham and Gruyère cheese, then topped with a rich béchamel sauce before being baked until golden and bubbling. This indulgent hot sandwich strikes the perfect balance between crispy exterior and creamy interior, offering sophisticated comfort food that's equally suitable for a casual lunch or an elegant brunch offering.

Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is estimated and may vary based on portion size and preparation.

Facts
Quantity
Fiber
Sugar
1 g
5 g
Allergen Content

Based on your allergy profile, please note the following possible allergens:

Milk

Wheat

Ingredients

Choose ‘+’ button to add missing ingredients to your grocery list

Steps

Read instructions and get ready to cook

1
Prepare the béchamel sauce

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to make a roux.

2
Finish the béchamel

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

3
Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4
Prepare the bread

Lightly toast the bread slices until just golden. Arrange on a work surface.

5
Spread mustard

Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice.

6
Prepare the cheese

Grate the Gruyère cheese. Reserve 1 cup for topping.

7
Assemble the sandwiches

Place a slice of ham on 4 bread slices (mustard side up). Sprinkle each with some of the remaining grated Gruyère.

8
Complete the sandwiches

Top with the remaining 4 bread slices, mustard side down. Press gently to compact.

9
Butter the tops

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Brush the tops of the sandwiches with melted butter.

10
Add béchamel

Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich. Ensure the entire top is covered.

11
Add cheese topping

Sprinkle the reserved Gruyère cheese evenly over the béchamel on each sandwich.

12
Bake the sandwiches

Place the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

13
Broil for color (optional)

For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes until the tops are nicely browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

14
Rest briefly

Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes.

15
Serve

Transfer to serving plates. Serve hot, accompanied by a simple green salad if desired.

Ratings
0
Comments (0)
Recipe image