Croque-Monsieur
Indulge in the classic French delight of Croque-Monsieur—a heavenly sandwich featuring crispy bread, rich ham, and gooey Gruyère cheese, all smothered in a creamy béchamel sauce. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat, each bite offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Elevate your dining experience with this easy-to-make recipe that promises to impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices pain de mie or sourdough bread
- 4 oz high-quality deli ham
- 4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for spreading)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Spread the béchamel sauce on one side of each slice of bread. Layer ham and Gruyère cheese between two slices (sauce side inwards). Top with another slice of bread and spread butter on the outer sides.
- Cook each sandwich in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer sandwiches to the prepared baking tray, spoon remaining béchamel sauce on top, sprinkle extra Gruyère cheese, and bake for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 770mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Substitute ham with turkey or roasted vegetables for a different twist. For added flavor, consider including herbs like thyme or adding spinach.