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Classic Croque Monsieur Sandwich Recipe

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5 from 137 reviews

Croque Monsieur is a classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked to perfection with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. This sophisticated yet simple sandwich features layers of ham, cheese, and béchamel, creating a warm, crispy, and cheesy delight perfect for a comforting lunch or brunch.

Ingredients

Béchamel Sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Dash of ground nutmeg

Sandwich

  • 8 thin slices white sandwich bread
  • 5 ounces good quality ham (about 8 slices)
  • 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, or Emmental cheese, grated (about 2½ cups)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the whole milk while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and thickens. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from the heat, then whisk in the Dijon mustard and a dash of ground nutmeg. Set aside or refrigerate for up to one week.
  2. Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of béchamel sauce evenly over each slice of bread, spreading all the way to the edges to ensure full coverage. Place four slices of bread, béchamel side up, on the prepared baking sheet. On each slice, layer one piece of ham, then a handful of grated Gruyere cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  4. Top the Sandwiches: Cover each open-faced sandwich with the remaining four slices of bread, béchamel side up. Then evenly distribute the remaining grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese over the tops of the sandwiches.
  5. Bake the Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Broil to Golden Perfection: After baking, switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the sandwiches for 2 to 4 minutes, carefully watching to ensure the cheese turns a light golden brown without burning.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm for a delicious, crispy, and creamy Croque Monsieur experience.

Notes

  • The béchamel sauce can be made up to one week in advance and refrigerated until needed.
  • Using good quality ham and cheese enhances the flavor significantly.
  • Be careful when broiling – keep an eye on the sandwich to avoid burning the cheese.
  • Gruyere can be substituted with Emmental cheese for a similar flavor profile.
  • For a richer sandwich, consider adding a fried egg on top to make a Croque Madame.

Find it online: https://alinacooks.com/classic-croque-monsieur-sandwich-recipe/