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Croque Monsieur Sandwich

Croque Monsieur Sandwich is a beloved French sandwich that perfectly blends crispiness and indulgence. Originating from French cafés, this toasted ham and cheese sandwich features a rich béchamel sauce and melted Gruyère, creating a truly decadent bite. The key to an authentic Croque Monsieur lies in the quality of ingredients. Freshly sliced ham, buttery bread, and a creamy béchamel sauce make all the difference. The sandwich is first pan-toasted to achieve a crispy golden crust, then broiled with extra cheese and béchamel for a luxurious finish.

Preparing a Croque Monsieur at home is easy and takes just a few steps. Start by making the béchamel sauce, whisking butter, flour, and milk together until thick. Spread Dijon mustard on slices of bread, layer with ham and cheese, and grill the sandwich in a skillet until golden brown. Finally, top with more béchamel and cheese before broiling until bubbly. For a variation, add a fried egg on top to create a Croque Madame. Serve this French bistro favorite with a light green salad or crispy fries for a complete meal. Whether for lunch or dinner, this classic French sandwich is a must-try!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 2
Calories: 520
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

A classic French café-style Croque Monsieur sandwich. Crispy toasted bread, rich béchamel sauce, thinly sliced ham, and melted Gruyère cheese create an indulgent and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 slices of white bread (preferably French or sourdough)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 oz thinly sliced ham
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for béchamel sauce)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Prepare the béchamel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat.
  2. 2
    Assemble the sandwiches: Spread Dijon mustard on two slices of bread. Layer each with ham and half of the Gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices.
  3. 3
    Toast the sandwiches: Spread softened butter on the outer sides of the sandwiches. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each sandwich for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. 4
    Broil with béchamel: Preheat the broiler. Place toasted sandwiches on a baking sheet, spread béchamel sauce on top, and sprinkle the remaining cheese. Broil for 3-4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  5. 5
    Serve: Enjoy warm with a side salad or fries.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 520kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32g50%
Saturated Fat 15g75%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 960mg40%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 4g
Protein 28g57%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Use high-quality ham for the best flavor.
  • Add a fried egg on top to turn it into a Croque Madame.
  • Serve with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Croque Monsieur, French sandwich, ham and cheese, béchamel sauce, classic French recipe
Read it online: https://quickeatsdaily.com/recipe/croque-monsieur-sandwich/