Why make this recipe
Croque Monsieur is a classic French ham and cheese sandwich that brings simple ingredients together for a delightful meal. Making your own version at home allows you to add personal touches while enjoying this comforting dish. It’s perfect for lunch, an easy dinner, or a quick snack. The crispy bread, rich béchamel sauce, and melted cheese create a satisfying experience that everyone will love.
How to make Savory Croque Monsieur
Ingredients
- 8 slices sturdy white sandwich bread or pain de mie
- 6-8 thin slices quality cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) grated aged gruyère cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- A pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard if using.
- Prepare the bread and fillings: Lay out 8 slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of béchamel on one side of each slice. On four slices, layer 1-2 slices of ham and sprinkle about ½ cup of grated gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, béchamel side down, to form sandwiches.
- Butter the sandwiches: Spread the remaining 1 tablespoon softened butter on the outside of each sandwich (top and bottom).
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until a deep golden crust forms and the cheese starts melting.
- Finish with cheese topping (optional): Spoon more béchamel on top of each sandwich, sprinkle with remaining grated gruyère, and place under the broiler or in a 400°F oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm: Let the sandwiches cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
How to serve Savory Croque Monsieur
Serve your Croque Monsieur warm, paired with a simple salad or some pickles. A side of crispy fries or a light soup also complements the sandwich well. Enjoy it with a glass of wine or a refreshing iced tea to complete your meal.
How to store Savory Croque Monsieur
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat or in an oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Tips to make Savory Croque Monsieur
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
- You can add herbs like thyme or oregano to the béchamel for added flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
Variation
To make a Croque Madame, simply top the sandwich with a fried or poached egg before serving. The added egg gives it a rich flavor and makes it even more satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of gruyère?
Yes, you can substitute gruyère with cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella for different flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of Croque Monsieur?
Absolutely! You can replace the ham with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
Can I make the béchamel sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the béchamel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it before spreading it on the sandwiches.
Croque Monsieur
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard if using.
- Lay out 8 slices of bread.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel on one side of each slice.
- On four slices, layer 1-2 slices of ham and sprinkle about ½ cup of grated gruyère cheese.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, béchamel side down, to form sandwiches.
- Spread the remaining 1 tablespoon softened butter on the outside of each sandwich (top and bottom).
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until a deep golden crust forms and the cheese starts melting.
- Spoon more béchamel on top of each sandwich, sprinkle with remaining grated gruyère, and place under the broiler or in a 400°F oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the sandwiches cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Nutrition
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
- You can add herbs like thyme or oregano to the béchamel for added flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
- For a Croque Madame, top the sandwich with a fried or poached egg before serving.