If there’s one cheese sandwich that truly captures the heart of a Parisian bistro, it’s the Classic Croque Monsieur. Crispy sides of the bread, thin slices of savory ham, a creamy mornay-style béchamel sauce, and nutty Gruyère cheese come together to create a melt-in-your-mouth brunch delight.
It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to France or simply want to elevate your next lunch, this croque monsieur recipe is the perfect sandwich to savor.
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Croque Monsieur History:
This warm and cheesy delight made its debut in French lunch pails in the early 1900s. Legend says workers accidentally left their ham and cheese sandwiches near a radiator, and the heat created the first “crunchy mister.” Soon, this happy accident evolved into the beloved grilled cheese cousin we know today, featuring creamy sauce and perfectly golden bread slices.
Its cousin, the Croque Madame, adds a sunny fried egg on top, perfect for brunch lovers craving a little extra richness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic French comfort food made simple
- Layers of melty Gruyère cheese, slice of ham, and creamy béchamel sauce
- Perfect for brunch, lunch, or breakfast-for-dinner
- Uses good bread and pantry staples
- Ideal way to use up leftover ham
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan or small saucepan
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Broiling pan or baking sheet
- Bread knife
- Skillet (optional)
Ingredients:
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- Unsalted butter: The base of the béchamel, it gives the sauce richness.
- All-purpose flour: Combines with the butter to form the roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Whole milk: Warmed milk helps the sauce thicken quickly and evenly.
- Nutmeg: Optional but traditional, adds a subtle warmth that complements the cheese.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for flavor balancing.
For the Sandwiches:
- White bread or brioche: Choose a sturdy bread that can handle all the delicious filling without falling apart. Brioche adds a buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory ham.
- Dijon mustard: Optional, but gives a tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Ham: Look for thinly sliced Parisian-style or Black Forest ham for the most authentic flavor.
- Gruyère cheese: A nutty, melt-friendly cheese that’s iconic in French cuisine. You can also use a mix of Gruyère and Swiss if needed.
- Butter (for toasting): Helps give the bread that signature golden, crisp texture.
How to Make Croque Monsieur:
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan or small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking. Add salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Cook over low heat until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Set aside.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast your bread slices until just golden. This helps create the perfect croque monsieur with structure and crunch.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread. Add a slice of ham, sprinkle of cheese, and spoonful of béchamel sauce. Place the other bread slice on top.
- Top and Bake: Spread more béchamel sauce on the top of the sandwiches, then sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place on a baking sheet or broiling pan.
- Bake or Broil: Bake at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, then broil 1–3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions:
Croque Monsieur is best enjoyed hot, right from the oven. Here are some tasty ideas to round out the meal:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
- Tomato soup or French onion soup
- A crisp glass of white wine or lemon & mint sprtizer.
- Light cucumber salad or fresh fruit
Tips & Tricks for the Best Croque Monsieur:
- Use thin slices of bread to ensure even toasting.
- Always toast the bread first to prevent sogginess.
- Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 day. Reheat on a skillet or baking sheet.
Storing & Reheating:
These sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but you can wrap cooled leftovers in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat over medium-high heat in a skillet or 350°F oven until warmed through and crisp.
A perfect croque monsieur is the kind of comforting, no-fuss recipe every brunch lover should have in their back pocket. It’s simple yet sophisticated, cozy yet elegant, the ultimate cheese sandwich with a French twist.
Croque Monsieur Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or small saucepan
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
- Broiling pan or baking sheet
- Bread knife
- Skillet (optional)
Ingredients
Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk warmed
- Salt & freshly ground pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg optional
Sandwiches
- 4 thin slices of bread brioche or other good bread
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 slices of ham
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese or a blend of Gruyère and Swiss cheese
- Butter for toasting bread
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking. Add salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Cook over low heat until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Remove bay leaf. Set aside.
- Lightly toast your bread slices until just golden.
- Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread. Add a slice of ham, sprinkle of cheese, and spoonful of béchamel sauce. Place the other bread slice on top.
- Spread more béchamel sauce on the top of the sandwiches, then sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place on a baking sheet or broiling pan.
- Bake at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, then broil 1–3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve and enjoy immediately.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! For more delicious brunch recipes, visit the recipes tab. Please comment below with any feedback you may have, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media!
Bon appétit and happy brunching!