Croque Monsieur
The Crispy Chef
The Croque Monsieur is a classic French sandwich made with ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, all toasted to perfection. Originally from Paris, this comforting dish has become a beloved favorite worldwide, inspiring various twists and variations.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Sandwich
Cuisine French
Servings 2
Calories 465 kcal
Baking sheet
Heavy saucepan
Whisk
Spoon
Oven
- 2 slices of bread preferably brioche or pain de mie
- 12 slices of ham
- 1 lb shredded Gruyère cheese
- 4 tbsp butter for béchamel sauce
- 1/4 cup flour for béchamel sauce
- 2 cups warm milk for béchamel sauce
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a smooth paste (roux), and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Slowly add warm milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce on each slice of bread.
Layer with ham and shredded Gruyère cheese. Top with another slice of bread.
Spread more béchamel sauce on top and sprinkle with additional cheese.
Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Calories: 465kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 26gFat: 24g
Keyword béchamel sauce, classic French sandwich, Croque Monsieur, French comfort food, ham and cheese