Name: Croque Monsieur Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Salt and black pepper to taste; 8 slices white sandwich bread; 4 slices ham; 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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There’s nothing quite as soul-satisfying as biting into a warm, melty Croque Monsieur Recipe—think of it as the ultimate French comfort food with layers of salty ham, nutty Gruyère, and silky béchamel sauce tucked between perfectly crisp slices of bread. This classic sandwich is endlessly crave-worthy and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re looking to impress brunch guests or elevate your weekday lunch routine, this Croque Monsieur Recipe is just what you need for a little taste of Paris right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the many reasons I adore the Croque Monsieur Recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few standout ingredients, every element has a deliciously important role to play in building up the flavor and texture layers. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love them):

White sandwich bread: The traditional choice for a soft but sturdy foundation, creating the ideal contrast to creamy fillings.
Ham: Adds salty-sweetness and a rich, meaty bite that stands out in every layer.
Gruyère cheese: The nutty, mildly sweet flavor and perfect meltability give the sandwich its signature gooeyness.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness in both the béchamel sauce and when toasting the bread.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the béchamel, making it wonderfully creamy without being heavy.
Whole milk: Creates the silky béchamel sauce and adds subtle richness.
Dijon mustard: A classic French touch that cuts through the richness with tangy heat.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings warmth and depth to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the béchamel, bringing out all the flavors.
Parmesan cheese: A little sprinkle on top for crispness and an extra umami punch.

How to Make Croque Monsieur Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Set the stage for sandwich perfection! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the slices of white sandwich bread on a baking sheet and toast them lightly for about 5 minutes. This simple step ensures your Croque Monsieur Recipe stays crisp even after being smothered with that gorgeous béchamel and cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it begins to foam. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute; this helps take the raw edge off the flour. Slowly stream in the whole milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Let it simmer and thicken for 3–4 minutes. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Your béchamel will be rich, glossy, and fragrant—ready to take your Croque Monsieur Recipe from good to fabulous.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

It’s time to build! Lay out four slices of toasted bread. Spoon a generous layer of béchamel sauce onto each one, spreading it right to the edges. Add a slice of ham and a hearty handful of grated Gruyère cheese atop each base. Complete the stack with the second slice of bread—think of it as sealing in all the goodness!

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese the Tops

Here’s where our Croque Monsieur Recipe really shines. Spread more béchamel sauce onto the tops of the sandwiches (don’t be shy). Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, plus the grated Parmesan, over each sandwich. The combination will bake up bubbling and beautifully golden.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Place your assembled sandwiches back on the baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt alluringly and develop golden-brown, crisp edges. The aroma alone signals you’re in for something special!

How to Serve Croque Monsieur Recipe

Garnishes

A touch of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives adds a burst of color and a subtle zing to your Croque Monsieur Recipe. For a truly Parisian feel, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper makes the presentation complete.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong pairing your molten sandwiches with a crisp green salad—think lightly dressed arugula or frisée for peppery contrast. Classic French fries or pommes frites are another delightful side, soaking up every bit of cheesy béchamel. The balance of richness and freshness is irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go the extra mile, serve your Croque Monsieur Recipe cut into stylish triangles for a chic appetizer platter. Or, take the brunch route and gently crown each sandwich with a fried or poached egg for a Croque Madame—sure to wow your guests with that luscious, runny yolk.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Croque Monsieur Recipe, don’t fret—they keep quite well! Allow sandwiches to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the sandwiches and freeze before baking. Wrap each uncooked sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for about two months. When you’re ready, simply bake from frozen with an extra five minutes of oven time.

Reheating

To bring your Croque Monsieur Recipe back to life, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place sandwiches on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can—the oven preserves the crunch and melty interior.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While Gruyère brings authentic flavor, Emmental or Swiss are wonderful substitutes. You can even try sharp white cheddar for a unique twist.

Is it possible to make Croque Monsieur Recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap in sautéed mushrooms or thinly sliced tomatoes for the ham, keeping all the creamy, cheesy appeal without the meat.

What’s the best bread to use for Croque Monsieur Recipe?

Choose a sturdy white sandwich bread—brioche or country bread work wonderfully, too. Just avoid anything too soft or airy, as it might get soggy under the sauce.

Can I prepare the béchamel in advance?

Yes! The béchamel can be made a day ahead; simply cool and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and whisk in a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.

How do I make this into a Croque Madame?

Transform your Croque Monsieur Recipe into a Croque Madame by adding a fried or poached egg to the top of each sandwich for a rich, elegant meal.

Final Thoughts

Once you take that first gooey, golden bite, you’ll understand why I adore this Croque Monsieur Recipe so much. Trust me, it’s pure French bistro magic made easy at home—don’t wait to treat yourself or your loved ones to this irresistible classic!

Croque Monsieur Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic French comfort food with this delicious Croque Monsieur recipe. Layers of ham, Gruyère cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce sandwiched between toasted bread, baked to golden perfection. A satisfying main course that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Béchamel Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

8 slices white sandwich bread
4 slices ham
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat and Toast: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly toast bread slices on a baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Make Béchamel: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth, simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Stir in mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: Spread béchamel on 4 bread slices, top with ham and Gruyère, cover with remaining bread. Spread more sauce on top, sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan.
Bake: Place sandwiches on a baking sheet, bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Serve warm.