If you’re seeking a sandwich that takes comfort food up a notch, you’ll absolutely adore this Croque Monsieur Recipe. Hailing from French cafés and bustling Parisian bistros, the Croque Monsieur is the ultimate ham and cheese sandwich, layered with creamy béchamel, nutty Gruyère, and golden bread toasted to true perfection. Whether you’re dreaming of a chic brunch or just a satisfying lunch, this classic delivers a crunchy, melty, deeply flavorful experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Croque Monsieur Recipe lies in its simplicity, but make no mistake—each ingredient matters. Every element, from buttery bread to gooey cheese, works harmoniously to produce a dish that tastes truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- White or brioche bread (8 slices): Choose slices sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings, with a soft crumb for the perfect bite.
- Dijon mustard (4 teaspoons): This unmistakable French mustard provides a subtle tangy kick that brightens every bite.
- Sliced ham (4 oz): Good-quality ham is essential, offering savory depth and that signature salty edge.
- Gruyère cheese, grated (4 oz + 2 oz for topping): Gruyère melts beautifully, lending a nutty flavor and irresistibly gooey texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Butter is crucial for both making the creamy béchamel and crisping the sandwich exterior.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Just a bit creates the quick roux that’s the backbone of a velvet-smooth béchamel.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): Preferably at room temperature for the silkiest sauce.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor, making the entire sandwich pop.
- Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): A whisper of nutmeg lends the classic warmth that elevates the béchamel.
How to Make Croque Monsieur Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the béchamel sauce
Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about a minute until the mixture bubbles and loses its raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens into a smooth, almost custardy texture—about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the salt, nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper, then set this sauce aside. This creamy addition is what transforms the Croque Monsieur Recipe from simple sandwich to French culinary legend.
Step 2: Build the sandwiches
Spread a teaspoon of Dijon mustard onto one side of four slices of bread. Top each with a generous layer of ham and a hearty sprinkle of grated Gruyère cheese. Place the remaining bread slices on top to close the sandwiches. At this point, you’re already most of the way to croque heaven!
Step 3: Toast in a skillet
Before you let the oven do its magic, add a bit of crunch by spreading softened butter on the tops of your assembled sandwiches. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully lay in the sandwiches and toast for about 2–3 minutes per side. You want a golden, slightly crisp exterior—the cheese needn’t be fully melted just yet, as the oven will finish the job.
Step 4: Smother with béchamel and Gruyère
Transfer the golden sandwiches onto a baking sheet. Spoon your luscious béchamel sauce generously over the tops, then sprinkle each with the remaining Gruyère cheese. This step is where the Croque Monsieur Recipe earns its signature creamy, cheesy topping.
Step 5: Bake and broil
Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the sauce turns slightly golden. For an especially crisp, cafe-style finish, flick on your broiler for a minute or two—just until the tops are beautifully bronzed. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the cheese and sauce set up slightly.
How to Serve Croque Monsieur Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Croque Monsieur Recipe with a flourish by sprinkling on some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a splash of color and freshness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a quick swipe of extra Dijon on the side does wonders to highlight all those luscious flavors.
Side Dishes
This sandwich is decadent enough to stand alone, but a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast and cuts through the richness. A handful of sliced cornichons or tart pickles, or even a small bowl of tomato soup, perfectly complements your Croque Monsieur Recipe for that full French bistro experience.
Creative Ways to Present
While straight-from-the-oven Croque Monsieur is a classic, you can also cut each sandwich into triangles for a stunning party platter. Pair with mini flags for a playful touch, or layer arugula and thin-sliced apples alongside for a restaurant-worthy plate. And don’t forget, for a Croque Madame, just crown each with a fried or poached egg for pure runny-yolked bliss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Croque Monsieur, let the sandwiches cool completely before wrapping them in foil or placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, retaining their flavor but losing a little crispness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap assembled but unbaked sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, omitting the béchamel sauce and final cheese topping until you’re ready to bake. They freeze well for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before finishing with sauce and cheese.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover Croque Monsieur Recipe in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is gooey and the bread is hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a rush, as it can make the bread a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in my Croque Monsieur Recipe?
Absolutely! While Gruyère gives an authentic flavor, Swiss or Emmental cheeses are excellent alternatives that still melt beautifully and have a similar nutty taste.
What’s the difference between a Croque Monsieur and a Croque Madame?
The main difference is the egg! For a Croque Madame, simply top your Croque Monsieur with a perfectly fried or poached egg—the runny yolk adds a delightful richness.
How can I prevent my sandwiches from becoming soggy?
Toast the sandwiches well in the skillet before baking, and make sure your béchamel isn’t too thin. Using hearty bread like brioche or bakery white really helps keep everything crisp.
Can this Croque Monsieur Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread and substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend in the béchamel for equally delicious results.
Is it possible to prep this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the sandwiches and make the béchamel a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then add sauce and cheese just before baking for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
There is true joy in making and sharing a Croque Monsieur Recipe, whether it’s your first try or a beloved classic in your kitchen. Every bit is melty, creamy, and impossibly satisfying—so go ahead, bring a little French café magic to your own table. Bon appétit!
Print
Croque Monsieur Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic French flavors of a Croque Monsieur with this easy-to-follow recipe. A delicious combination of ham, Gruyère cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all sandwiched between slices of white or brioche bread and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices white or brioche bread
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz grated Gruyère cheese
- Additional 2 oz grated Gruyère cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, whisk, then gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, then season with salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread Dijon mustard on bread slices. Layer ham and Gruyère cheese on 4 slices, then top with the remaining bread slices.
- Toast the Sandwiches: Toast sandwiches in a skillet with butter until golden on both sides.
- Add Béchamel and Cheese: Spoon béchamel over sandwiches, sprinkle with Gruyère cheese, then bake and broil until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- For a Croque Madame variation, add a fried or poached egg on top.
- You can use Emmental or Swiss cheese as a substitute for Gruyère.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
