Classic Croque Monsieur

Name: Classic Croque Monsieur
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups milk (whole milk preferred); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 8 slices white bread (thick-cut); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 200 grams Gruyère cheese (grated, divided); 8 slices cooked ham

30 min 4 sandwiches Medium

All Recipes

Classic Croque Monsieur

A deliciously rich and comforting French classic sandwich made with ham, cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce.

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The Croque Monsieur is a quintessential French bistro staple that has charmed the palates of many with its simple yet indulgent ingredients. Originating in French cafés and bars, this sandwich is a delightful marriage of flavours and textures, featuring ham, cheese, and a luscious béchamel sauce. While it may appear to be a humble sandwich, the Croque Monsieur is elevated by the quality of its ingredients and the care taken in its preparation. With a golden, crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior, it is guaranteed to please anyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients

Servings

Béchamel Sauce

Sandwiches

Instructions

Prepare the béchamel sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.

Pro tip: Ensure the flour is fully incorporated to avoid lumps.

Thicken the béchamel

Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and nutmeg.

Pro tip: Keep the heat moderate to prevent scorching.

Assemble the sandwiches

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce, then top with a slice of ham and some grated Gruyère cheese. Close the sandwiches with another slice of bread, buttered side up.

Pro tip: Use a generous amount of cheese for extra richness.

Preheat the oven

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

Cook the sandwiches

Place the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let the sandwiches cool for a minute before serving. Cut in half and enjoy warm.

Pro tip: Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use thick slices of bread for a heartier sandwich.</li><li>Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt.</li><li>Butter the bread for a golden, crispy finish.</li><li>Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

A Croque Monsieur is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread still crisp. Pair it with a light, tangy salad to cut through the richness, or enjoy it as a standalone treat. If you wish to prepare the sandwiches in advance, assemble them without cooking and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, simply bake and enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheated in the oven.