Classic Croque Monsieur Recipe – The Best French Ham & Cheese Sandwich
The Croque Monsieur is a delicious French sandwich made with crispy toasted bread, savory ham, melted Gruyère cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce. This authentic café-style recipe is easy to make at home and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick lunch. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect golden, cheesy, and crispy Croque Monsieur.
Equipment
- Non-stick pan (for pan-frying)
- Oven or broiler (for baking and crisping the cheese)
- Small saucepan (for making béchamel sauce)
- Whisk (to prevent lumps in the sauce)
- Spatula (for flipping the sandwich)
- Bread knife (for slicing)
- Grater (for fresh cheese)
Ingredients
- For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices pain de mie or white sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard optional, for added flavor
- 4 slices jambon de Paris or any thinly sliced ham
- 1 cup Gruyère or Comté cheese grated
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup warm whole milk
- A pinch of salt and white pepper
- A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
- Gradually pour in ½ cup of warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg, then set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- If using mustard, spread a thin layer on the unbuttered side for extra flavor.
- Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a plate.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the unbuttered side.
- Add 2 slices of ham and sprinkle with half the grated cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Step 4: Cook the Croque Monsieur
- Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Oven Method (Best for Multiple Sandwiches):
- Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Topping
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on top of each sandwich.
- Sprinkle with remaining grated cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 6: Serve Immediately
- Let the Croque Monsieur cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with French fries, a side salad, or a warm bowl of soup.
Notes
For an extra crispy texture, use day-old bread.
To make a Croque Madame, simply top the sandwich with a fried or poached egg before serving.
For a richer flavor, add a little grated cheese to the béchamel sauce.
To make a Croque Madame, simply top the sandwich with a fried or poached egg before serving.
For a richer flavor, add a little grated cheese to the béchamel sauce.