A Croque Monsieur is more than just a ham and cheese sandwich; it's a French classic that brings elegance to simple ingredients. With layers of sliced ham and creamy béchamel sauce, topped with melted Gruyère, this sandwich is irresistibly decadent. First, you build the sandwich with fresh bread, but that's only the beginning. Toasted to golden perfection, each bite is a blend of savory, creamy, and crispy textures that feel like a special treat. Whether you're looking for a comforting lunch or an easy yet impressive brunch, the Croque Monsieur delivers. Give it a try—you might just feel like you're dining in a cozy Parisian café.
A Croque Monsieur is more than just a ham and cheese sandwich; it's a French classic that brings elegance to simple ingredients. With layers of sliced ham and creamy béchamel sauce, topped with melted Gruyère, this sandwich is irresistibly decadent. First, you build the sandwich with fresh bread, but that's only the beginning. Toasted to golden perfection, each bite is a blend of savory, creamy, and crispy textures that feel like a special treat. Whether you're looking for a comforting lunch or an easy yet impressive brunch, the Croque Monsieur delivers. Give it a try—you might just feel like you're dining in a cozy Parisian café.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until smooth and golden (this is called a roux). Slowly add 1/2 cup of milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until thickened. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional) and 1/4 cup of Gruyère until melted and smooth. Set aside.
In a skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toast each side of the 4 slices of bread until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side. This helps prevent the bread from getting soggy once assembled.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on two slices of the toasted bread (optional). Place 2 slices of ham on each of these slices, then add a spoonful of the béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle with a bit more Gruyère if desired.
Place the remaining bread slices on top of each sandwich. Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich, then sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère cheese.
Place the sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese begins to melt. Switch to the broiler setting and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Allow the sandwiches to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings 2
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.