Description
This Perfect Croque Monsieur is a simple yet indulgent French sandwich layered with savory ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and gooey Gruyère cheese. Baked to a golden crisp, it’s a comforting café-style treat that comes together quickly in your own kitchen. Ideal for lunch, brunch, or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices white or sourdough bread (thick cut preferred)
- 4 oz deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, Emmental)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond/oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast all slices of bread in a toaster or skillet. This helps keep the sandwich crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread béchamel on one side of each bread slice. On two slices, add ham and half the shredded cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, béchamel-side up.
- Top and Bake: Spoon more béchamel on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the top.
- Serve: Let the sandwiches cool slightly, then cut and serve warm.
Notes
For a Croque Madame variation, top the sandwich with a fried egg. To lighten it up, use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve the texture—use an oven or air fryer instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg