Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur
Serves: 4
This is such a delicious and yummy recipe! My students and I make it each year and it is always a hit! They say it’s a dance ham and cheese sandwich… and it is! It’s easy too!
3 Tbsp Butter
3 Tbsp Flour
1 1/4 C Milk
1/2 tsp Salt
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
8 oz Gruyère Cheese
8 Slices Country White Bread
4 Slices Ham
Preheat the oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat.
Add flour. Cook for one minute, whisking constantly.
Mix a small amount of milk into the roux. Continue to add milk slowly,
stirring to fully incorporate before adding more.
Heat until bubbling. Turn off heat. Stir in salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
Grate Gruyère on large holes of box grater. Set aside
Set 4 slices of bread on a baking sheet. Spread 2 Tbsp béchamel sauce
on each piece.
Add one slice of ham to each piece of bread.
Add 2 Tbsp grated Gruyère cheese on top of each piece of ham.
Gruyère cheese on top of each piece of ham. Set another piece of bread on each sandwich. Spread 2 Tbsp béchamel sauce on top of each piece.
Evenly sprinkle remaining cheese on top of the sandwiches.
Bake until the cheese is browned and edges are crisp, about 15 minutes.
Making a Croque Monsieur at home is a delightful way to bring a taste of French café culture into your kitchen. One key to its deliciousness lies in the béchamel sauce, which adds a rich, creamy texture that transforms this simple sandwich into an indulgent treat. When preparing the béchamel, it's important to whisk continuously as you add the milk to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce. Adding a pinch of nutmeg, as in the original recipe, gives the sauce a subtle warmth that complements the savory ham perfectly. In my experience, using high-quality Gruyère cheese makes a noticeable difference. Its nutty and slightly sweet flavor melts beautifully, creating the perfect golden crust on top of the sandwich. If Gruyère is hard to find, Emmental or Swiss cheese can be a good substitute, though the flavor profile will vary slightly. Another tip is to toast the sandwich until the edges are crisp and the top cheese is bubbling and browned—this creates the classic texture contrast between crispy bread and melty filling. For a twist on tradition, some people like to add a fried egg on top, transforming the Croque Monsieur into a Croque Madame. This recipe is not only easy but also versatile. You can experiment with different types of ham or add herbs like thyme or mustard to the béchamel for extra flavor. Croque Monsieur is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a comforting dinner, and it always gets rave reviews from anyone who tries it. Whether you're making it for a crowd or a cozy meal, this French classic is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
