Croque Monsieur: The Ultimate French Ham and Cheese Sandwich
The Croque Monsieur is France’s answer to grilled cheese—but elevated. Buttery toasted bread, melty Gruyère, smoky ham, and a blanket of creamy béchamel sauce make this sandwich an irresistible indulgence. Serve it with a green salad or a glass of white wine for a taste of Parisian charm.
🥖 Ingredients (Makes 2 Sandwiches)
- 4 slices thick white bread or brioche
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 4 slices high-quality ham (like Parisian or Black Forest)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Emmental cheese
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for béchamel)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🍳 Instructions
Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Lightly spread Dijon mustard (if using) on 2 slices of bread. Add a layer of ham and about half the cheese. Top with the other bread slices.
Toast the Sandwiches: Spread softened butter on the outsides of the sandwiches. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast sandwiches until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Top with Béchamel and Cheese: Preheat your broiler. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet. Spoon béchamel sauce generously over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère.
Broil and Serve: Broil sandwiches for 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve hot and gooey.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Croque Monsieur
- 🍞 Thick-Cut Brioche Bread — Rich and buttery, ideal for soaking up béchamel and toasting to perfection.
- 🧀 Gruyère Cheese, Perfect for Melting — Nutty and melty, the ultimate choice for that gooey cheese pull.
- 🥓 Premium Deli Ham — Thinly sliced, flavorful ham that complements the cheese beautifully.
- 🧈 Nonstick Skillet for Toasting — Toast your sandwich golden brown without sticking.
- 🍽️ Baking Sheet for Broiling — Perfect for finishing your Croque Monsieur under the broiler with a bubbly, browned top.
Pro Tip: For the even fancier version—Croque Madame—just top it with a sunny-side-up egg after broiling. Oui, chef!