Classic Croque Monsieur – the iconic French ham and cheese sandwich, crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious!
🥪🧀 Classic Croque Monsieur
✅ Ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
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8 slices of white bread (preferably brioche or country bread)
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4 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
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4 oz (115g) sliced ham (preferably French or Black Forest)
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1 ½ cups (150g) shredded Gruyère or Emmental cheese
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2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole milk
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Pinch of ground nutmeg
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Salt & pepper to taste
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¼ cup Gruyère (extra, for topping)
📝 Instructions:
STEP 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
STEP 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread Dijon mustard (if using) on one side of each bread slice. Add sliced ham and shredded cheese on 4 of them, then top with the remaining bread to form sandwiches.
STEP 3: Toast the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tbsp of butter. Toast the sandwiches until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
STEP 4: Add Béchamel & Bake
Place sandwiches on a baking sheet. Spoon béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with additional cheese. Broil in the oven for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
STEP 5: Serve
Serve hot, optionally with a simple green salad or fries.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4