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
Scale
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
